Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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

Step 1:

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

Drain any excess fat.

Step 2:

Add carrots, onion and celery.

Cook and stir until onion has softened.

Step 3:

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

Step 4:

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.

Step 5:

Stir in tortellini.

Cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes until tender.

Serve.

Notes:

Hot Italian sausage can be very spicy, so be sure to use mild if you prefer a milder flavor. I didn’t add a lot of extra spices to the soup because the sausage gives so much flavor.

You can use fresh or frozen tortellini to make this soup. I use fresh, so just take into account the required cook time for the pasta when making your soup. Frozen tortellini may cool down your soup and take longer to come back up to a simmer.

If you have a leftover Parmesan rind, feel free to throw that in the soup as it simmers for some incredible flavor!

You can prep this soup ahead by chopping all of your vegetables. You can also cook the soup right through up until the point where you add the pasta, then cool and refrigerate and simply reheat and add the pasta before serving.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausage for this soup?

Yes, you can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference.

You may also experiment with other sausage varieties for different flavor profiles.

Can I substitute dried tortellini for fresh tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute dried tortellini for fresh.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the dried tortellini.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and reheated.

If the tortellini absorbs too much liquid upon reheating, you can add a bit of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.

Can I freeze the Sausage Tortellini Soup?

While the soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change upon thawing.

If you plan to freeze, consider undercooking the tortellini slightly, and add a little extra broth when reheating.

Can I use both mild and spicy Italian sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Combining mild and spicy Italian sausage can add depth to the flavor. Adjust the ratio based on your spice preference.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

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

Just be mindful of the required cooking time, as frozen tortellini may take longer to cook.

How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?

If you prefer a milder soup, choose mild Italian sausage.

Conversely, for more heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage.

You can also adjust the quantity of Italian seasoning to control the spice level.

Can I freeze this soup for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the soup, excluding the tortellini.

Add the pasta when reheating the frozen soup.

Consider undercooking the tortellini slightly before freezing to prevent overcooking during reheating.

What other vegetables can I add to enhance the soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.

Is it necessary to drain the excess fat from the sausage?

Yes, draining excess fat helps control the overall richness of the soup.

Removing some fat contributes to a lighter and healthier dish.

Can I use beef or chicken broth instead of low-sodium chicken broth?

Yes, you can use beef or chicken broth based on your preference.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly if using regular broth instead of low-sodium.

What’s the purpose of adding tomato sauce to the soup?

Tomato sauce enhances the overall flavor and richness of the soup.

It adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that complements the savory sausage.

Why does the recipe recommend simmering covered for 15 minutes before adding tortellini?

Simmering the soup covered allows the flavors to meld, and it helps the carrots become tender.

Adding the tortellini later prevents it from overcooking.