Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a flavorful tomato broth enriched with garlic, herbs, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Pasta and Herbs
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables and aromatics: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend and vegetables to tenderize.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Feel free to add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini as they can become mushy; cook just until tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
