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Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining a creamy broth, flavorful Italian sausage, and tender cheese-filled tortellini. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal, this soup is a go-to for cozy nights and family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly filling. The rich creaminess from the broth, the spice from the sausage, and the cheesy tortellini create a harmonious blend that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Ground Italian Sausage: 1 lb of hot, mild, or sweet sausage for customizable spice levels.
- Cheese Tortellini: 10 ounces of fresh or frozen tortellini for a creamy, cheesy bite.
- Vegetables: 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 diced onion, and 3 cloves of minced garlic for flavor and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes for a tangy tomato base.
- Chicken Stock: 4 cups of stock to form the hearty soup base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup to add richness and silkiness to the broth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for garnish and extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage
- In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, cook the carrots, onion, and garlic until softened, adding a splash of chicken stock to deglaze the pan.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken stock and canned tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Tortellini
- Add the cheese tortellini and cooked sausage to the pot. Simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Add salt to taste.
- Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan, and pair with crusty sourdough bread.
Adding Greens
Enhance the nutritional value by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale right before serving. The greens wilt beautifully in the hot broth and add a vibrant touch.
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Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store tortellini separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Freezing the Soup
To freeze, prepare the soup up to the point of adding cream and tortellini. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and finish by reheating and adding fresh tortellini and cream.
Variations and Additions
Switch up the sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Try swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Why Deglazing Matters
Deglazing the pan with chicken stock after browning the sausage ensures all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom are incorporated into the soup. This step adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sausage and Tortellini Soup with a side of garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, or a slice of crusty sourdough to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth.
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Customizing the Heat Level
Adjust the spice level by using mild or sweet Italian sausage instead of hot sausage. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the broth.
Thickening the Broth
For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the simmering soup. Allow it to cook for a few extra minutes until the broth thickens.
Making It Gluten-Free
Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta to make this soup suitable for dietary restrictions. Be sure to verify all other ingredients for gluten content.
Incorporating Different Tortellini Flavors
Experiment with other tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom to create unique flavor profiles. Each variation pairs beautifully with the creamy sausage broth.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cook tortellini fresh and add just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
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Creating a Dairy-Free Version
Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for garnish to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Turning It Into a Casserole
Transform this soup into a baked casserole by reducing the broth slightly and transferring it to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden.
Serving for Gatherings
This soup is a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or potlucks. Serve it in a large soup tureen with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh parsley, and crusty bread on the side for guests to customize.
Storing Tortellini Separately
To prevent soggy tortellini when storing leftovers, keep them separate from the broth. Add the tortellini to the soup while reheating to retain their texture.
Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Herbs
Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Stir in chopped herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant aroma and taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this soup keep?
Keep up to 2 days refrigerated. After that, tortellini begins to fall apart.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze without tortellini and cream. Add both when reheating to serve.
- → How can I prevent soggy tortellini?
Cook tortellini separately and add to individual bowls when serving.
- → Can I use mild sausage?
Yes, substitute mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- → What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread and green salad make perfect accompaniments.
Conclusion
A delicious and warming soup that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy tomato broth. Perfect for cold evenings and quick meals.