Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

7 c chicken broth

4 c fresh baby spinach

1 tablespoon olive oil

28 ounces can + 14 ounces can of diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1-pound uncooked Italian sausage, hot or sweet/mild

½ c Parmesan cheese, shredded

¾ c heavy whipping cream (optional)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

10 ounces small frozen cheese tortellini (or fresh)

1 c chopped onion

Instructions:

Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to become hot.

Add the sausage and cook for a few minutes until brown. Leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot and discard the rest.

Add the garlic and onion, then sauté for a few minutes until aromatic and soft. Add the Italian seasoning to taste.

Add about ½ cup of the chicken broth, then scrape the bottom of the pot to get the browned bits.

Stir everything until well blended.

Press the “Cancel” button on the Instant Pot, then add the canned tomatoes, the rest of the chicken broth, and frozen tortellini. Stir again until well incorporated.

Press the “Pressure Cook” button and cook everything on a high setting for about a minute. Let the pressure release for 3 minutes.

Press the “Sauté” button again, then add the baby spinach and cook for a few minutes until just wilted. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Add ¾ cup of whipping cream and stir until well blended.

Top each serving with freshly chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and more Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yields: 6 | Serving Size: 1

Tips:

Don’t overcook the tortellini

Overcooking tortellini can make it mushy.

Make sure to have your kale and heavy cream prepped and ready to add immediately after the tortellini is cooked.

Adjust the salt

Depending on the broth and tomato sauce you use, you might want to add more or less salt.

If you’re not sure, refrain from adding any extra salt until the soup is finished.

Try different tortellini

You can change the soup up with different tortellini varieties including meat stuffed, spinach stuffed, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is heavy whipping cream necessary for this soup?

No, heavy whipping cream is optional.

You can omit it or use a lighter alternative like half-and-half for a less creamy soup.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but add it towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

How do I choose between hot and sweet/mild Italian sausage?

It depends on your spice preference.

Hot sausage adds heat, while sweet/mild sausage provides a milder flavor.

Can I use diced canned tomatoes with additional seasonings?

Yes, you can use seasoned diced tomatoes, but adjust the added Italian seasoning accordingly to avoid overseasoning.

How long should I sauté the sausage initially?

Sauté the sausage until it’s browned, which typically takes a few minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through.

Can I make this soup in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking.

Adjust cooking times as needed, and follow similar steps.

Is there a recommended type of Parmesan cheese for this soup?

You can use either freshly grated or pre-shredded Parmesan cheese.

Freshly grated Parmesan tends to have a more robust flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead, but wait to add the tortellini and spinach until reheating to maintain their freshness and texture.

What are some recommended garnishes for this soup?

Top each serving with freshly chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and additional Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.