Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Indulge in the rich flavors of Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a delightful concoction brimming with Italian sausage, tomatoes, cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant spinach. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it also comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes! Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Italian Sausage: Opt for mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use spicy Italian sausage, ground pork sausage, turkey sausage, ground chicken, or ground beef to suit your taste preferences.
• Tomatoes: Enhance the soup’s tomato base with a can of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. For an extra kick, consider using diced tomatoes with green chilies or your preferred variety.
• Chicken Broth: For a rich and flavorful broth, use chicken broth or chicken stock interchangeably. However, note that chicken stock may impart a slightly deeper flavor to the soup.
• Tortellini: While cheese tortellini adds a creamy texture to the soup, you can experiment with meat-filled or vegetable-filled tortellini for variety. If using frozen tortellini, either add it directly to the pot during the final minutes of cooking or precook it separately.
• Spinach: Incorporate either fresh or frozen spinach into the soup. Opt for 2 cups of fresh spinach or a 10-ounce (283-gram) bag of thawed and squeezed frozen spinach.

Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

Transform this soup into a convenient crockpot dish by browning the Italian sausage beforehand. Once browned, transfer it to the slow cooker along with onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then add spinach and tortellini and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until tender.

How to Store Tortellini Soup

Store any leftover Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing & Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup

Prepare the soup ahead of time and freeze it for later consumption. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Label the containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground mild Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1/2 cup or 75 grams)
• 1 can (28 ounces or 800 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bag (20 ounces or 570 grams) fresh cheese tortellini, refrigerated
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Shaved parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into pieces.
2. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add diced onions to the pot and cook until translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the refrigerated tortellini, heavy cream, and spinach. Stir well.
6. Simmer until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with shaved parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup!