Minestrone With Tortellini
Hearty minestrone soup with tortellini combines savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and Italian herbs for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 cloves sliced garlic ⓘ
- 2 cups zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 lb frozen cheese tortellini ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Break the sausage into small pieces and cook in a large pot over medium heat.
- Remove the cooked sausage and drain.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until tender.
- Add garlic powder, beef broth, red wine, tomatoes, carrots, celery, ketchup, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Skim off any fat from the surface.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, zucchini, green pepper, parsley, grated Romano cheese, and garlic powder.
- Simmer, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. You can also add beans for extra protein. If you want more spice, add red pepper flakes. Ensure not to overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but not mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone with a sprinkle of extra grated Romano cheese on top for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Homemade Meatballs or a light pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to maintain consistency. This soup also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone With Tortellini contains roughly 1072 calories, with 32g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (226% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1833mg per serving (80% 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 a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even use a smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it is cooked through before adding to the soup.
What if I don't have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as an alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still create a delicious base for your minestrone.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also include additional vegetables or beans to enhance the protein content while maintaining a hearty texture.
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).