creamy tortellini soup

Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (or chicken, or leave out for vegetarian)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 9 oz (250g) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Sausage:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove excess fat if necessary.
    • If you’re making a vegetarian version, skip this step.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
    • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice).
    • Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Cook the Tortellini:
    • Add the fresh or frozen tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes), until the tortellini is tender.
  5. Add the Cream and Spinach:
    • Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and add the chopped spinach (or kale).
    • Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
    • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
    • Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Tips:

  • Tortellini Options: Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can use any kind—meat or spinach tortellini would also be delicious.
  • Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini if needed, and ensure your broth and sausage are also gluten-free.

Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~400 kcal
  • Protein: ~18g
  • Fat: ~28g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Sugar: ~5g

This Creamy Tortellini Soup is rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you add sausage or keep it vegetarian, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!

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