Italian Tortellini Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired seafood and sausage soup packed with fresh vegetables, tender crab, scallops, clams, and shrimp. Rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs create a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal that showcases a variety of seafood with vibrant, savory notes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 5 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped, seeded, peeled 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. frozen meat or cheese tortellini ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 (1 1/2 lb.) Dungeness crabs or 12 oz. packages Alaskan king crab, split legs, thawed and cut into chunks
- 1 lb. scallops
- 1 1/2 dozen hard shelled clams ⓘ
- 2 lb. striped bass fillets, cut into serving pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. shelled and deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- About 45 minutes before serving, in a Dutch oven over medium heat and hot oil, cook the onion, green pepper, and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped, seeded, peeled tomatoes and their liquid, wine, chopped parsley, salt, basil, and oregano.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium.
- Add the crab and clams; cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the fish fillets and shrimp.
- Continue cooking for 5 more minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and the shrimp are tender.
- Serve immediately in soup bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving. You can substitute the Dungeness crab with lump crab meat if preferred. If you're looking for a lighter option, omit the sausage and add more vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach. This soup is also delicious with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this heartwarming Italian Tortellini Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finishing touch. For an Italian twist, pair it with Italian Meatball Soup or a luscious Cheesy Lasagna to create a comforting meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the texture of the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Tortellini Soup contains roughly 815 calories, with 52g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (125% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and protein (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 848mg per serving (37% 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, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just cook all ingredients except for the seafood and tortellini. Add those ingredients right before serving to ensure they remain tender and flavorful.
Can I use different seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match seafood according to your preferences. Shrimp, mussels, or even white fish are great alternatives that will work well in this soup.
Is it necessary to include wine in the soup?
While the wine adds depth to the flavor, you can omit it if preferred. Consider substituting with additional broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity without the alcohol.
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).