Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Ingredients for Sausage and Tortellini Soup

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or sFor Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friendspicy, depending on preference)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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How to Make Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving some of the fat in the pot for the onions.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Spinach

1. Once the broth is simmering, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
2. Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale), and let it wilt into the soup, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Cutting board and knife for chopping

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Sausage and Tortellini Soup is great for leftovers! Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until hot. You can also microwave individual servings, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the tortellini separately. The soup (without the pasta) can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and then cook fresh tortellini to add just before serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Sausage and Tortellini Soup

• Choose your sausage: Mild Italian sausage gives the soup a nice savory flavor, but if you want to kick up the heat, spicy sausage works beautifully. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Be sure to add the tortellini at the end of the cooking process so it doesn’t get too soft or mushy. Cook it just until tender and then remove the soup from heat.
• Customize the greens: Spinach adds a nice pop of color and nutrients to this soup, but you can swap it out for kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.

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Variations and Substitutes

• Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup: For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a meatless version. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular tortellini for a gluten-free variety, and make sure your broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free as well.
• Different Tortellini Flavors: While cheese tortellini is classic, you can experiment with other fillings like spinach and ricotta or even meat tortellini for a twist.

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