Italian Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium sized onion, chopped

3 carrots, peeled and diced

2 TBL olive oil

2 ribs of celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

28 oz diced tomatoes

14.5 oz V8 juice

4 cups water

4 cups vegetable broth

1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and drained

3 TBL dried Basil

3 TBL dried Thyme

3 TBL Italian Seasoning

3 cups Tortellini

Instructions:

In stock pot, heat oil then add pepper, onion, carrot, and celery.

Cook until tender.

Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.

Add sausage, tomatoes, V8, water, and broth.

Bring to a low boil and add basil, thyme, and Italian Seasoning.

Add Tortellini and heat until they float to the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones in this recipe.

Generally, you’ll want to use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs.

So, for 3 tablespoons of dried basil, thyme, and Italian seasoning, you would use 9 tablespoons (or about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) of fresh herbs.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage.

You might want to add extra vegetables or even some beans for added protein and texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta you prefer in this recipe.

Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces would work well.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.

Is V8 juice necessary, or can I use something else?

While V8 juice adds a unique flavor to the soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato juice or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of water.

Alternatively, you can omit it entirely and use additional water or broth, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.

Simply chop them up and use them in place of the diced tomatoes.

Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may yield a slightly different texture and flavor compared to canned ones.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer.

The choice of broth will slightly alter the flavor profile of the soup, but both options work well.

Can I use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat?

Of course! If you enjoy a bit of heat in your soup, feel free to use spicy Italian sausage instead of the regular variety.

Just be mindful of the spice level, especially if serving to guests who may prefer milder flavors.

How long does it take for the tortellini to float to the top when cooking?

The time it takes for the tortellini to float to the top can vary depending on the brand and size of the tortellini.

Typically, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes for tortellini to cook and float to the top once added to boiling soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

However, it’s best to cook the tortellini separately and add it to individual servings of soup to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables.

Spinach, zucchini, or diced potatoes would be great additions.

Is it necessary to drain the cooked Italian sausage?

Yes, it’s recommended to drain the cooked Italian sausage to remove excess grease and fat from the soup.

This helps keep the soup lighter and prevents it from becoming too greasy.

Can I use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade vegetable broth can be used instead of store-bought.

Just ensure that it’s well-seasoned and strained before adding it to the soup.

Can I use low-sodium V8 juice to reduce the salt content?

Absolutely! If you’re watching your sodium intake, using low-sodium V8 juice is a great option to reduce the overall salt content of the soup while still adding flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

For the slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the tortellini and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the vegetables and sausage, then add the remaining ingredients (except tortellini) and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

Quick release pressure and add the tortellini, then set to sauté mode again until tortellini is cooked through.