Tortellini Soup With Italian Sausage & Spinach
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cozy nights. This soup combines the richness of ground Italian sausage, the freshness of spinach, and the delicious bite of tortellini, all brought together with savory broth and crushed tomatoes.
Paired with cheesy crostini, this meal is not only flavorful but also satisfying, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prepping.
The addition of fresh basil and Parmesan provides a burst of flavor that elevates every spoonful, while the crostini adds the perfect crunchy complement.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach because it offers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures.
The ground Italian sausage gives the soup a hearty, meaty base, while the tortellini adds a satisfying bite.
The fresh spinach brightens the dish, and the fragrant basil enhances its depth.
The cheesy crostini brings a crunchy, indulgent contrast to the soup’s creamy broth.
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or family gatherings.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Italian sausage for a flavorful, savory base.
Refrigerated tortellini that adds heartiness to the soup.
Fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrition.
Crushed tomatoes for a rich, tangy broth.
Vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to create a flavorful soup base.
Fresh basil to bring aromatic, herby notes.
Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish.
Baguette slices and butter for making crispy, cheesy crostini.
Tortellini Soup With Italian Sausage & Spinach
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground Italian Sausage
1/2 cup diced onion about ½ medium sized onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
32 ounces vegetable broth chicken works too
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
salt and pepper to taste
9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
2 cups packed fresh spinach
Crostini
6 Baguette slices (about ⅓ of a baguette)
1 tablespoon Butter
2 tablespoons Freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Soup
Heat a large, heavy bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Heat vegetable oil and add diced onion.
Saute until onions are beginning to softed; 3-4 minutes
Crumble Italian Sausage and garlic with the onion. Cook until sausage is no longer pink; about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable (or chicken) broth, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add tortellini and spinach and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
Garnish with shredded Parmesan and serve with a cheesy crostini crouton.
Crostini
Slice baguette into ½ inch thick slices.
Butter one side and place butter side down in a hot skillet until golden brown.
Flip bread slices over and sprinkle with Parmesan while the other side gets golden brown.
Transfer to a plate and immediately cover loosely with foil if cheese has not completely melted.
Notes:
Customizable Sausage: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Broth Option: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth, or even a combination of both.
Tortellini Choice: Choose fresh or frozen tortellini; both work well in this recipe. For variety, try different fillings, such as cheese, spinach, or meat.
Spinach Substitute: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
Crostini Variations: You can skip the crostini or try adding different toppings, such as garlic butter, or using a different type of cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère.
Simmering Time: For more flavor, you can let the soup simmer for a bit longer, up to 30 minutes, before adding the tortellini and spinach.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: ~400 calories | Protein: ~25 grams | Carbohydrates: ~40 grams | Fiber: ~4 grams | Sugar: ~6 grams | Fat: ~18 grams | Saturated Fat: ~6 grams | Cholesterol: ~40 mg | Sodium: ~800 mg | Calcium: ~150 mg | Iron: ~3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other types of ground meat like chicken, turkey, or even pork sausage.
You can also use a vegetarian sausage alternative for a meatless version.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach.
Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup to avoid excess moisture.
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 3 days.
The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day.
Just reheat on the stove before serving.
Can I use another type of pasta instead of tortellini?
If you don’t have tortellini, you can use any other small pasta such as elbow macaroni, shells, or penne.
Just cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking time.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just be aware that the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating.
It’s best to freeze the soup without the crostini, as they will lose their texture when frozen.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil for fresh.
Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil to replace the 2 tablespoons of fresh basil.
How do I prevent the sausage from being greasy?
To reduce grease, be sure to drain the excess fat after cooking the sausage.
You can also use lean ground Italian sausage to minimize the amount of fat.
Can I make this soup without the crostini?
Yes, the soup will still be delicious without the crostini.
You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or enjoy it as is for a lighter meal.
Can I use a different type of broth?
You can use either vegetable or chicken broth, depending on your preference.
Both will provide a flavorful base for the soup.
How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like a spicier soup, you can add red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño along with the garlic and onion for an extra kick.