Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Description:

Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a rich and comforting dish, perfect for cold weather. This flavorful soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a mix of vegetables, all simmered in a rich broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s filling, easy to make, and packed with delicious flavors. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• Italian sausage: 1 pound (preferably mild or spicy, casings removed)
• Tortellini: 9 oz (cheese or meat-filled)
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Carrot: 1 large (diced)
• Celery stalks: 2 (diced)
• Onion: 1 medium (diced)
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (or vegetable broth)
• Spinach or kale: 2 cups (fresh, roughly chopped)
• Heavy cream: ½ cup (optional for a creamy texture)
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a slight kick)

Optional Garnishes:

• Parmesan cheese: grated (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley: chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:

• Zucchini: 1 medium (diced, for extra veggies)
• White beans: 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed, for extra protein and fiber)
• Thyme or Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (for additional flavor)

Tips for Success:

1. Sauté the sausage well: Brown the sausage thoroughly before adding the vegetables to ensure deep flavor.
2. Cook tortellini separately: If you’re making a large batch and want the tortellini to stay intact, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
3. Adjust creaminess: You can adjust the amount of cream based on how rich you want the soup. For a lighter version, skip the cream.
4. Fresh herbs for flavor: Fresh basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning will elevate the flavor of the broth.
5. One-pot meal: This recipe can be made entirely in one pot, which makes clean-up easy.

Steps to Make It:

1. Cook the sausage:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add garlic and seasoning:
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add the tomatoes and broth:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
5. Add tortellini and greens:
   • Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package directions (usually 5-7 minutes). Add the spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.
6. Finish the soup:
   • Once the tortellini is cooked and the greens are tender, stir in the heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Recommendations:

• Serving Suggestion: This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
• Make it ahead: The flavors deepen if the soup is made in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well (without the cream). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add the cream when reheating.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1/6 of Recipe):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

This Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a warm, filling meal with a comforting blend of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh vegetables. Enjoy!