This hearty and comforting Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage recipe combines the sweet tanginess of tomatoes, the richness of Italian sausage, and the comforting bite of cheese tortellini. It's an easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for company. The hint of cream and fresh basil at the end rounds out the flavor nicely, making it a soup to remember.
All of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found at most supermarkets. However, cheese tortellini can be found either in the pasta aisle or the frozen foods section. For the Italian sausage, look in the meat department; there are usually hot and mild varieties - choose based on your heat preference. Fresh basil leaves are typically found in the produce area.
Ingredients for Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
Mild italian sausage: This gives flavor and richness to the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the soup.
Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, musty flavor to the dish.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and adds a bit of sweetness.
Tomato paste: Thickens the soup and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides the main tomato base for the soup.
Tomato sauce: Adds flavor and helps to get the right consistency.
Chicken stock: Forms the base of the soup.
Sugar: Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cheese tortellini: Adds texture and makes the soup more filling.
Baby spinach leaves: Gives a pop of color and adds nutrients.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant, peppery flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds a touch of richness and makes the soup more creamy.
One reader, Dal Roldan says:
This tomato tortellini soup with Italian sausage recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The combination of the sausage, tortellini, and creamy tomato base is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful soup. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
How to brown Italian sausage: In a dutch oven or large soup pot set over medium heat, add the sausage, breaking it up while cooking for about 7 minutes until browned.
How to deglaze the pan: After removing the browned sausage, add ¼ cup of white wine (or chicken stock) to the pot to deglaze it, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom from the sausage. Let the wine reduce by half and the onion soften for about 3 to 5 minutes.
How to cook tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the soup and cook for 10 minutes if using frozen, or until the tortellini is cooked through according to the instructions on the package.
How to wilt spinach: After adding the Italian sausage back into the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the spinach, stirring to wilt.
How to stir in heavy cream: Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream.
How To Make Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
Enjoy a hearty bowl of this deliciously creamy tomato tortellini soup made flavorful with Italian sausages, cheese-filled tortellini, and lots of tomatoes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozmild Italian sausage,ground
- ½large yellow onion,diced small
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspdried oregano
- ¼cupwhite wine,or substitute chicken stock
- 1tbsptomato paste
- 28ozcrushed tomatoes,(1 can)
- 15oztomato sauce,(1 can)
- 4cupschicken stock,store-bought or homemade
- 1tspsugar
- 8ozcheese tortellini,frozen
- 1cupbaby spinach leaves,packed
- 8large fresh basil leaves,cut into thin ribbons
- ⅓cupheavy cream
Instructions
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In a Dutch oven or large soup pot set over medium heat add the sausage, breaking it up while cooking for about 7 minutes.
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Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove from pan to paper towel-lined plate.
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Leave the fat in the pan and add onion, garlic, and oregano to the pot.
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Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
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Add ¼ cup of white wine (or chicken stock) to the pot to deglaze it (scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom from the sausage).
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Let the wine reduce by half and the onion softens for about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir continuously, letting it cook for about 2 minutes.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and sugar. Stir to combine.
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Cover the pot and bring to a boil for about 10 minutes.
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Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. Stir and cook for 10 minutes if using frozen, or until the tortellini is cooked through according to the instructions on the package.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the Italian sausage back into the pot.
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Add the spinach. Stir to wilt.
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Add the basil and stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 421.02kcal
- Fat: 25.40g
- Saturated Fat: 10.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.00g
- Carbohydrates: 30.75g
- Fiber: 3.58g
- Sugar: 9.96g
- Protein: 17.73g
- Cholesterol: 72.18mg
- Sodium: 1159.23mg
- Calcium: 114.44mg
- Potassium: 804.81mg
- Iron: 3.37mg
- Vitamin A: 84.48µg
- Vitamin C: 16.23mg
Essential Technique Tip for Preparing Tomato Tortellini Soup
When adding the cheese tortellini to the soup, ensure that the soup is at a rolling boil. This will help the tortellini cook evenly and prevent it from sticking together. Also, remember to stir the soup gently after adding the tortellini to avoid breaking them apart. For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. It's a simple change that can make a big difference in the depth of flavor in your tomato tortellini soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep and cooking.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering.
Substitute Ingredients For Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
mild italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian Italian sausage: If you prefer a meatless option, vegetarian Italian sausage can provide a similar flavor and texture to the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, as they have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for dried oregano, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor to the soup.
white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be used to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor to the soup.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a touch of sweetness and tomato flavor to the soup.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a chunkier texture to the soup.
tomato sauce - Substitute with canned tomato soup: Canned tomato soup can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, adding a creamy texture and tomato flavor to the soup.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a similar base for the soup.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the soup.
cheese tortellini - Substitute with spinach and cheese tortellini: If you prefer a different filling, spinach and cheese tortellini can be used as a substitute for regular cheese tortellini.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can be used as a substitute for baby spinach, providing a heartier green to the soup.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, providing a similar flavor to the soup.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, adding a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Tortellini Soup
Elevate the plating: As a culinary genius, I would meticulously arrange the tortellini in the center of the bowl, ensuring each piece is visible and inviting. This will create a visually appealing presentation that showcases the star ingredient.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves: I would delicately place fresh basil leaves on top of the soup, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of aromatic freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with a swirl of heavy cream: To add a touch of elegance, I would artfully drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on top of the soup, creating a beautiful contrast and adding a creamy richness to the overall presentation.
Use high-quality serving bowls: I would select elegant, high-quality serving bowls that complement the rustic yet refined nature of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Incorporate a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Just before serving, I would sprinkle a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup, adding a savory depth of flavor and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Tomato Tortellini Soup
Dutch oven or large soup pot: A heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, ideal for simmering soups and stews.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquid to pass through while retaining solid food.
Paper towel: Absorbent paper used for draining and blotting food.
Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food during cooking.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place and cut food.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Tortellini Soup
- Let the tomato tortellini soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For best results, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to the reheated soup to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed before serving the reheated soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Tortellini Soup
Reheat the leftover tomato tortellini soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the tortellini and sausage are heated through without becoming overcooked or mushy.
If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help restore the soup's original consistency and prevent it from becoming too dense.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the soup into microwave-safe bowls. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup in the microwave, as this can cause the tortellini to become rubbery.
If you have stored the tortellini separately from the soup, reheat the soup in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Then, add the cooked tortellini to the soup and let it warm through for a minute or two. This method helps prevent the tortellini from becoming overcooked and falling apart in the soup.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover soup, garnish it with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or some freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving. These toppings will brighten up the flavors and make the reheated soup taste like a new meal.
Random Fact about Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
This recipe is a delicious and hearty tomato tortellini soup that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and tortellini. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Is Making This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this tomato tortellini soup with Italian sausage recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available. The use of Italian sausage and cheese tortellini may slightly increase the cost, but the dish serves four people, making it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying meal, earning a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its taste, simplicity, and value.
Is This Tortellini Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tomato tortellini soup with Italian sausage recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The use of Italian sausage, which is typically high in saturated fat and sodium, can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- The recipe includes heavy cream, adding additional saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- While the soup contains some vegetables like onions, garlic, and spinach, the overall vegetable content is relatively low compared to the amount of sausage and tortellini.
On the positive side, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients:
- Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
- Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can support overall health.
- Garlic and onions contain compounds that may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken, instead of Italian sausage. Season the meat with Italian herbs and spices to maintain the desired flavor profile.
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding more spinach, diced carrots, or zucchini to the soup. This will boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the dish.
- Reduce the amount of cheese tortellini and replace some of it with whole-grain or vegetable-based pasta to increase the fiber content and lower the overall calorie count.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock and tomato products to help control the sodium content of the soup.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still delivers on taste and satisfaction. Remember, enjoying foods in moderation and focusing on overall dietary habits are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Tortellini Soup
The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich tomato flavors, and tender cheese tortellini in this soup creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of spinach and basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the touch of heavy cream brings a luxurious creaminess to the soup. The balance of flavors and textures in this recipe is well thought out, making it a delightful and hearty option for a cozy meal.
Enhance Your Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Tomato Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The savory mild Italian sausage infuses the soup with rich, hearty flavors, while the addition of cheese tortellini provides a delightful, indulgent twist. The use of fresh basil and baby spinach leaves adds a vibrant, herbaceous note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. With the careful balance of ingredients and the incorporation of heavy cream, this recipe promises a luscious and creamy texture that will surely impress your taste buds.
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