Italian Minestrone With Tortellini
A hearty Italian minestrone with tortellini features savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. bulk sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 6 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh meat or cheese filled tortellini ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown the sausage and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender.
- Pour in beef broth and red wine, then add tomatoes, carrots, celery, ketchup, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
- Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add sliced zucchini, tortellini, diced green pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Simmer, covered, until tortellini are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding beans or other vegetables like spinach or kale. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat. Using fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a delightful Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Tammy's Stuffed Shells or a classic Italian salad to enhance the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover minestrone can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Minestrone With Tortellini contains roughly 1247 calories, with 83g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (408% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (252% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2326mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, minestrone often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the tortellini close to serving time to ensure they remain tender.
What can I substitute for tortellini?
If you can't find tortellini, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Alternatively, you could add cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta cooks properly without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your minestrone, you could include a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or toss in some diced jalapeños with the other vegetables. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a personalized kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).