Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Sausage spinach tortellini soup: Just the name conjures up images of cozy nights, comforting bowls, and the aroma of simmering herbs filling your kitchen, doesn’t it? This isn’t just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, and a dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights.

Tortellini, those delightful ring-shaped pasta pockets, have a rich history rooted in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Legend has it that a goddess, Venus, stayed at an inn, and the innkeeper, captivated by her beauty, peeked through the keyhole to catch a glimpse. All he saw was her navel, inspiring him to create the tortellino in its image. Whether fact or folklore, tortellini have become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine and beyond.

But what makes sausage spinach tortellini soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, tender spinach, and cheesy tortellini, all swimming in a flavorful broth. The sausage adds a hearty richness, the spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and a subtle earthiness, and the tortellini offer a delightful chewiness that makes every spoonful a textural delight. People adore this soup because it’s incredibly satisfying, quick to prepare, and easily customizable to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens for the family!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference), removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparing the Sausage and Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to brown our sausage. This is where the flavor really starts to build, so don’t rush it!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure the pot is nice and roomy; we’re going to be adding a lot of ingredients!
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. We want it to be nicely browned and crumbled. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy – that’s where the good stuff is!
3. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. We’re going to add it back in later, so keep it close by. Leaving the rendered fat in the pot will add even more flavor to our soup.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want the onion to be translucent and slightly sweet.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Building the Soup Base

Now that we have our flavorful base, it’s time to add the liquids and seasonings that will make this soup sing!

1. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Add the cannellini beans, dried oregano, and dried basil. These herbs will add a lovely earthy flavor to the soup.
3. Return the browned sausage to the pot. We want all those delicious sausage juices to mingle with the broth.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to relax and let the soup do its thing!
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Adding the Tortellini and Spinach

Almost there! Now we’re going to add the tortellini and spinach, which will cook quickly and add a lovely freshness to the soup.

1. Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the soup. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
3. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach will add a vibrant green color and a healthy dose of vitamins.

Finishing Touches (Optional)

These final touches are optional, but they really elevate the soup to the next level. If you’re feeling fancy, give them a try!

1. Stir in the heavy cream (if using). This will add a creamy richness to the soup that is absolutely divine.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Now is the time to make sure the soup is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Serving

Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This soup is best served hot, with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese or a swirl of pesto for extra flavor. Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious broth.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Sausage: Feel free to use any type of Italian sausage you prefer. Sweet sausage will give the soup a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Beans: Cannellini beans are a classic choice for this soup, but you can also use other types of beans, such as great northern beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers. Simply chop them up and add them to the pot along with the onions.
• Greens: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or other leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard.
• Broth: Chicken broth is the most common choice for this soup, but you can also use vegetable broth or beef broth.
• Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other types of pasta, such as ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti.
• Spicy: For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the oregano and basil.
• Creamy: If you want a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the tortellini and spinach.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits. Just add the tortellini and spinach right before serving.
• Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to add the tortellini after thawing and reheating, as they can become mushy if frozen.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a swirl of pesto.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious weeknight meal. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach, all swimming in a rich and flavorful broth, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, you’ll be happy to oblige!

But what truly elevates this soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard, depending on your preference. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of pesto or a swirl of cream at the end for an even richer and more decadent experience.

Serving Suggestions:

This soup is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the soup perfectly. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a panini. And don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! A generous grating of Parmesan on top adds a salty, savory note that really brings all the flavors together.

Variations to Explore:

* Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* Creamy Version: Stir in a half cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra layer of heat.
* Lemon Zest: A little bit of lemon zest brightens up the soup and adds a refreshing citrusy note.
* Different Tortellini: Experiment with different fillings for the tortellini, such as cheese, mushroom, or even butternut squash.

I’m confident that you’ll love this sausage spinach tortellini soup as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!