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!