Italian Sausage Soup With Tortellini
Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini offers a hearty blend of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and flavorful tomatoes, all simmered in a rich broth with pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines robust flavors with fresh herbs and cheese, appealing to those craving comforting, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced ⓘ
- 5 to 6 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 cups peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 8 oz. meat or cheese tortellini ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove sausage from casing.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown sausage.
- Remove sausage from Dutch oven and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings.
- Saute onions and garlic in the reserved drippings until onions are tender.
- Add beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Skim fat from the soup.
- Stir in zucchini, tortellini, parsley, and green pepper.
- Simmer, covered, for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until tortellini are tender.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also substitute the dry red wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add more basil or oregano. If you have leftover veggies, toss them in too for added nutrition and flavor. This soup pairs beautifully with Herbed Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with Mrs. Lombardi's Meatballs for an Italian feast, or enjoy it alongside a glass of the same red wine used in the soup for a harmonious dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the soup's consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but it's best to add the tortellini fresh when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Soup With Tortellini contains roughly 621 calories, with 37g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% 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 this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it slowly to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure the tortellini is cheese-filled or made with vegetables to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I use if I don't have tortellini?
If you don't have tortellini on hand, you can use other pasta shapes like small shells, or even gnocchi. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may require varying lengths to cook through.
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).