Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for any day of the week. Combining spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato broth, this soup delivers a flavorful punch with just the right amount of heat and creaminess. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually 5 to 7 minutes, until tender.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Add Cream and Season: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage for a less spicy version if preferred.
- This soup reheats well and can be made ahead, although the tortellini may absorb some of the liquid over time.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.
