Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Introducing our comforting and flavorful Tuscan Tortellini Soup recipe! Bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients, this hearty soup is the perfect way to warm up on chilly days or anytime you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. Featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory Gilbert’s Caprese Chicken Sausage, and a medley of beans, tomatoes, and spinach, each spoonful offers a taste of Tuscany right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious and satisfying soup that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

9 oz store-bought cheese tortellini (frozen is fine)

4 links Gilbert’s Caprese Chicken Sausage, sliced into ¼ inch pieces

32 oz (4 cups) low sodium chicken broth

1 15oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes (pre-seasoned with Italian spices)

1 15oz can crushed tomatoes

1 15oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp olive oil

pinch of crushed red pepper, optional

salt and pepper, to taste, if needed

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot.

Add chicken sausage and saute until the edges are slightly browned, about 3 minutes.

Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2:

Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beans.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper, if desired.

Bring to a boil.

Step 3:

Once boiling add in the tortellini and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and plump, about 10-15 minutes.

During the last 3 minutes of cook time add in the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 4:

Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Variety of Flavors: This soup combines various flavors, including cheese tortellini, chicken sausage, tomatoes, beans, and spinach, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Convenience of Ingredients: The recipe uses store-bought cheese tortellini and pre-seasoned Italian-style diced tomatoes, making it convenient to prepare without sacrificing flavor.

Healthy Ingredients: With the inclusion of spinach, cannellini beans, and low-sodium chicken broth, this soup provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Customizable Spiciness: The addition of crushed red pepper allows for customization of spiciness according to personal preference, adding a hint of heat to the soup.

Quick Preparation: This soup comes together relatively quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Balanced Meal: With a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, this soup can serve as a balanced meal on its own or accompanied by a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Versatile: While the recipe specifies certain ingredients like chicken sausage and cheese tortellini, it can be easily adapted based on personal preferences or ingredient availability.

Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also satisfying, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini if you prefer.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly as fresh tortellini may cook faster than frozen.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken sausage with your preferred type, such as Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a meatless option.

Is it necessary to use low-sodium chicken broth?

While low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better control over the soup’s saltiness, you can use regular chicken broth and adjust the salt level accordingly.

Can I omit the crushed red pepper?

Yes, the crushed red pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder soup.

Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced and crushed tomatoes.

Simply chop them up and adjust the seasoning to taste.

How long should I simmer the soup once I add the tortellini?

Simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes after adding the tortellini, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender.

Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, if you don’t have cannellini beans, you can substitute them with other white beans like navy beans or Great Northern beans.

Is it necessary to rinse the cannellini beans?

Rinsing the beans helps remove excess sodium and starch, but it’s not strictly necessary.

If you prefer, you can skip rinsing them.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

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

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

What should I serve with Tuscan Tortellini Soup?

This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.