Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy kick, this soup brings a delicious taste of Italy to your table, making it a family favorite for any weeknight dinner.

Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy (no casings)

3 large carrots peeled and diced

1 onion finely diced

1 rib celery finely chopped

1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups low sodium chicken broth

1 798 ml can diced tomatoes (28oz)

1 cup tomato sauce

250 grams fresh cheese tortellini about 3 cups

Instructions

Add Italian sausage to a large soup pot and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add carrots, onion and celery. Cook and stir until onion has softened.

Add Italian seasoning, garlic and salt and cook 1 minute.

Add broth, tomatoes and tomato sauce and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until carrots are almost tender.

Stir in tortellini. Cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes until tender. Serve.

Notes:

Sausage Selection: You can choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. If you like a bit of heat, the spicy variety adds a nice kick to the soup.

Tortellini Type: Fresh cheese tortellini works best in this recipe for a soft, tender texture. However, if you prefer a different filling, such as spinach or meat, feel free to substitute.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the soup heartier and boost its nutritional value.

Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the soup, especially since the sausage and tortellini can already be quite salty. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.

Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to add the tortellini when reheating, as freezing can cause the pasta to become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

Dried tortellini usually takes longer to cook, so simmer it for an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth, as the tortellini tends to absorb liquid.

Can I freeze this soup?

You can freeze the soup, but it’s recommended to freeze it without the tortellini, as it can become mushy.

Add fresh or frozen tortellini when you reheat the soup.

What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

You can add spinach, zucchini, kale, or bell peppers to this soup.

Simply chop and add them in with the other vegetables, or stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To make the soup spicier, use spicy Italian sausage and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables.

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, you can use other types of sausage, like chicken or turkey sausage, but keep in mind that the flavor profile might change.

Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, use a tortellini that doesn’t contain cheese (such as a vegan variety) and skip the cheese-filled tortellini.

You can also use a dairy-free alternative for the tomato sauce if needed.

Can I add more protein to the soup?

Yes, you can add more protein by including additional cooked chicken, beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), or even crumbled bacon.

What type of broth should I use?

Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness.

However, you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (if you skip the sausage) or a homemade bone broth for richer flavor.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last few minutes of cooking, or let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly.