Rustic Italian Sausage, Tortellini, and Spinach Soup

Delight in the comforting flavors of Italy with this hearty Rustic Italian Sausage, Tortellini, and Spinach Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup combines savory Italian turkey sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach in a flavorful broth infused with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The soup simmers to perfection, marrying the robust flavors of the sausage and herbs while the tortellini and spinach add texture and freshness.

Garnish with shredded Parmesan for an extra layer of richness, making it a satisfying meal that captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking in every spoonful.

Rustic Italian Sausage, Tortellini, and Spinach Soup

Ingredients

3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed

1 medium onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1-3/4 cups water

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped

2-1/4 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 3/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

Step 1:

Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven; add onion.

Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.

Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Stir in broth, water and tomatoes.

Bring to a boil.

Step 2:

Add tortellini; return to a boil.

Cook for 5-8 minutes or until almost tender, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; add spinach, basil, pepper and pepper flakes.

Cook 2-3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted and tortellini are tender.

Serve with cheese if desired.

Notes:

Sausage Preparation:

Remove the casings from Italian turkey sausage links and crumble the meat into a Dutch oven. Cooking until no longer pink ensures even flavor distribution and proper cooking.

Flavor Base:

Saute chopped onion with the sausage to build a savory foundation. Adding minced garlic towards the end of this step infuses the base with aromatic depth.

Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour in reduced-sodium chicken broth and water, then add undrained diced tomatoes. Bringing this mixture to a boil melds the flavors of the sausage, onions, and garlic with the broth and tomatoes.

Adding Tortellini:

Once boiling, add refrigerated cheese tortellini. Boil until the tortellini are almost tender, typically for 5-8 minutes. Stirring occasionally prevents the tortellini from sticking together.

Incorporating Spinach and Seasonings:

Reduce the heat and add fresh baby spinach, minced fresh basil (or dried basil), pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini are fully tender, ensuring all flavors are well combined.

Serving:

Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with shredded Parmesan cheese for added richness. The cheese can be stirred into the soup or sprinkled on top according to preference.

Optional Adjustments:

Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice, or adjusting the basil to enhance the herbaceous notes.

Storage and Reheating:

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Per Serving, without Parmesan cheese:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular pork Italian sausage instead of turkey sausage?

Yes, you can substitute pork Italian sausage for turkey sausage if you prefer.

Keep in mind that it may alter the nutritional content.

Is it necessary to use reduced-sodium chicken broth?

Using reduced-sodium broth allows for better control of the dish’s saltiness.

If you prefer regular chicken broth, you can use it, but be mindful of the overall salt content.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil for fresh basil.

Use approximately one-third of the amount specified for fresh basil, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

How can I make the soup less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, omit or reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

Adjust the pepper to taste and consider using mild Italian sausage.

Is the Parmesan cheese necessary, and can I use a substitute?

Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.

If you’d like a cheesy flavor, consider using a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast as a substitute.

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred sausage, such as pork or chicken Italian sausage, based on your taste preferences.

Can I substitute fresh tortellini with dried tortellini?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini as a substitute for fresh.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of tortellini you choose.

Is it necessary to use both fresh and dried basil?

No, it’s not necessary. You can use either fresh basil or dried basil based on what you have available.

If using dried, remember to adjust the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I make the soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.