Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
This quick and easy rustic Italian tortellini soup is the perfect combination of flavor and comfort. With ingredients like Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and tender cheese tortellini simmering in a rich tomato broth, this soup is not only delicious but also ready in just 20 minutes.
It’s a fantastic option for a fast and cozy meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The warm tomato broth provides a comforting base, while the hearty sausage and creamy tortellini add a rustic Italian touch.
The recipe typically uses turkey sausage and refrigerated tortellini, but feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream. This soup truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying and delightful meal!
Ingredients For Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
Tortellini Soup Ingredients with Quantities
- Tortellini: 1 package (about 9-12 ounces) of cheese tortellini, usually found in the refrigerated section. If unavailable, you can use frozen tortellini; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound of Italian sausage. You can choose turkey, chicken, or spicy Italian sausage to add a bit of heat to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth. Homemade is best, but you can use store-bought varieties. Opt for sodium-free or reduced-sodium broth for better control over salt levels.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes. Make sure to include both the tomato chunks and the juice for a flavorful base.
- Spinach: 2-3 cups of fresh baby spinach. You can also use mature spinach, but baby spinach is preferred as it requires less prep time.
- Basil: 1-2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh basil adds a wonderful finishing touch to the soup.
Step-by-Step Directions for Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by crumbling 1 pound of Italian sausage into a Dutch oven. Add 1 chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. If you prefer a crumbly texture, remove the sausage casings before cooking.
Step 2: Add the Liquid
Next, stir in 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of water, and 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Bring this mixture to a boil, which will help meld the flavors together. For a richer soup, you can substitute some of the water with additional broth.
Step 3: Simmer the Tortellini
Once boiling, add 1 package (about 9-12 ounces) of cheese tortellini to the pot. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are almost tender.
Step 4: Finish with the Spinach
After the tortellini is nearly cooked, reduce the heat further and add 2-3 cups of fresh baby spinach, along with 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini are fully tender.
Step 5: Serve
Once the soup is finished cooking, ladle it into bowls. If desired, top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Step 6: Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize the soup. You can substitute ravioli for tortellini, adjust the cooking time according to package instructions. For a creamy version, consider thickening the soup with a bit of flour and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
Step 7: Explore Other Options
If you want to skip the meat, add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a veggie tortellini soup. Alternatively, you can swap the sausage for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even frozen meatballs for a meatball tortellini soup. You can also replace spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian turkey sausage is recommended, but you can use chicken sausage or spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken, you can add flour after cooking the sausage, or mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the soup.
What other greens can I use?
Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens are great alternatives to spinach.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze the soup with tortellini, as the pasta can become mushy. However, you can freeze the soup without the pasta and add it when reheating.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
What can I serve with tortellini soup?
Crusty bread or a light side salad pairs well with this soup.
Can I use canned tomatoes with herbs?
Yes, using canned tomatoes with added herbs can enhance the flavor of the soup.
Is it necessary to remove sausage casings?
While the casings are edible, removing them gives the meat a crumblier texture, which works well in this soup.