Indulge in a bowl of comfort with our Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach! This Italian-inspired delight is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a chilly day. With rich flavors and creamy textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Imagine savoring tender cheese tortellini nestled in a hearty broth, complemented by savory sausage and vibrant spinach. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything you need for the recipe. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot with the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant and golden.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to crumble the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- After the broth has simmered, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add more heavy cream at this stage.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy tortellini soup with sausage and spinach!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions and mince the garlic ahead of time. You can even cook the sausage in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: For an extra flavor kick, opt for spicy Italian sausage or add some red pepper flakes if you like it hot.
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini while it cooks; they only need about 3-5 minutes. Once they float to the top, they’re ready to go!
- Customize Your Greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, kale or Swiss chard can be great substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to wilt.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese on top! It adds a wonderful salty flavor that enhances the soup beautifully. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions for the best results.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
