Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
A hearty Italian sausage tortellini soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, sliced ⓘ
- 5 c. beef stock or canned broth ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 8 to 10 oz. fresh cheese tortellini ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the sausage in a Dutch oven for 10 minutes until crumbled and cooked through.
- Transfer the sausage to a large bowl using a slotted spoon.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion and sliced garlic to the pan and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Add beef stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced zucchini, sliced carrot, diced green pepper, red wine, basil, and oregano.
- Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
- Add the tortellini to the soup and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the sausage a bit longer. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute turkey sausage. Feel free to use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a vegetarian option. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish—try using thyme or parsley alongside the basil and oregano. This soup can be served with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Aunt Gerry'S Spaghetti Sauce. This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may alter the texture of the tortellini.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup contains roughly 519 calories, with 22g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge. Just remember to cook the tortellini separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Can I freeze the tortellini soup?
While you can freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze it without the tortellini. The pasta can become mushy after freezing. Store the soup in airtight containers, and when ready to serve, cook fresh tortellini and add it to the reheated soup.
What can I use instead of fresh cheese tortellini?
If you can’t find fresh cheese tortellini, you can use dried tortellini or any small pasta shape such as ditalini or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, cooking the pasta separately if necessary before adding it to the soup.
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).