Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Steps to Cook:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are starting to soften.
4. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, including the juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tortellini. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
7. Stir in the chopped spinach, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked tortellini against the side of the pot to release more starch.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply reheat and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

This Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage, the freshness of vegetables, and the delicate texture of cheese-filled tortellini. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day or a cozy evening at home.

The preparation time for this recipe is relatively quick, with only 15 minutes of active prep work. The cooking time is also efficient, with the soup simmering on the stove for just 30 minutes. Additionally, you’ll need an extra 10 minutes for the soup to cool slightly before serving, bringing the total time to 55 minutes.

The ingredient list is straightforward, with common pantry and refrigerator staples. The key components are the Italian sausage, which adds a savory and aromatic base to the soup, and the refrigerated cheese tortellini, which provides a delightful textural contrast. The fresh spinach, carrots, and celery contribute to the overall nutritional value and visual appeal of the dish.

To start, you’ll heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then, you’ll add the garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release its fragrance. Next, the carrots and celery are added to the pot and sautéed for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

The Italian sausage is then crumbled into the pot and cooked until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop the savory flavors of the sausage and infuse them throughout the soup.

Once the sausage is cooked, the broth and diced tomatoes are poured into the pot, and the mixture is brought to a boil. The tortellini is then added, and the soup is simmered for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

The final step involves stirring in the chopped spinach, dried oregano, and dried basil. These ingredients add a fresh, herbal note to the soup and complement the other flavors beautifully. Finally, the soup is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.

The Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup can be served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness and flavor. The cook’s note provides some additional tips, such as using either sweet or hot Italian sausage, mashing some of the tortellini to thicken the soup, and serving the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a more substantial meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and nourishing dinner.

In conclusion, the Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the convenience of a one-pot meal. With its simple preparation, hearty ingredients, and impressive taste, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.