Italian Sausage And Tortellini Soup
A hearty Italian sausage and tortellini soup packed with flavorful vegetables, herbs, and rich sausage, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 5 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 8 to 10 oz. fresh cheese tortellini ⓘ
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sausage in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a large bowl.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from the pan.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and saute until translucent.
- Return sausage to the pan.
- Add beef stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced zucchini, sliced carrot, diced green bell pepper, red wine, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef stock or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the sweet Italian sausage. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish's flavor, making it a delightful addition to your Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil on top can also enhance the flavors. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a filling lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much. This will help maintain its delicious texture and flavors, ensuring a satisfying meal once again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage And Tortellini Soup contains roughly 716 calories, with 34g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (250% of the Daily Value), iron (160% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1800mg per serving (78% 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 use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well in this soup. Simply add it to the pot during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering, allowing it to cook through. This is a great option if you're short on time and still want to enjoy a delicious meal.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Increase the variety of vegetables and consider adding beans for protein. This version will still be hearty and flavorful, perfect for those seeking lighter options.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup, allowing it to simmer until thickened. This will give the soup a nice, hearty consistency.
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).