Description
Warm Midwestern comfort meets Italian flair in this beef sausage and tortellini soup, blending robust flavors with homestyle charm. Rich, savory ingredients mingle harmoniously, promising a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound beef sausage (mild or spicy)
- 9 ounces (255 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Render the beef sausage in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, methodically breaking it into rustic fragments until a rich golden-brown color develops.
- Transfer the caramelized sausage using a perforated utensil, reserving the flavorful drippings in the cookware.
- Introduce diced onions to the residual fat, gently sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
- Incorporate minced garlic, Italian herbs, and optional chili flakes, stirring briefly to awaken their essential oils.
- Stream chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the seasoned base, encouraging a gentle simmer while loosening any concentrated remnants clinging to the pot’s surface.
- Carefully introduce cheese tortellini, allowing them to dance and soften within the bubbling liquid for approximately 6 minutes.
- Reduce thermal intensity and blend heavy cream, returning the reserved sausage to the mixture.
- Fold vibrant spinach leaves into the soup, permitting them to delicately wilt and integrate their verdant essence.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, creating a luxurious layer of umami complexity.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a final flourish before serving alongside crusty artisan bread.
Notes
- Swap beef sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the soup’s rich flavor profile intact.
- Choose frozen tortellini for convenience or fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for a more authentic texture and taste.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal without compromising the soup’s comfort factor.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild Italian sausage for those who prefer less heat while maintaining robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg