Description
This hearty and comforting Tortellini Soup blends savory Italian turkey sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and flavorful herbs in a rich tomato and chicken broth base. Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup offers a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Broth and Vegetables
- 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 (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
Pasta and Seasonings
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2-1/4 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Dash crushed red pepper flakes
For Serving (Optional)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Crumble the Italian turkey sausage into a Dutch oven or large pot, and add the chopped onion. Cook and stir over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is softened. This ensures the sausage is well browned and aromatic.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute longer to release its fragrant flavors without burning.
- Add the liquid: Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, water, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. For a richer soup, you can substitute additional broth in place of the water.
- Simmer the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the boiling broth mixture. Return the mixture to a boil, then cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until the tortellini are almost tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with spinach and seasonings: Reduce the heat to low, then add the coarsely chopped baby spinach, minced fresh basil (or dried basil), pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini are fully tender.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Removing the sausage casings results in a crumbly texture, but the casings are edible if preferred.
- For a richer broth, replace the water with additional chicken broth.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor, but dried basil works well too.
- Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and cook time; frozen tortellini may require longer cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
