Soup Tortellini
A hearty Italian sausage and vegetable tortellini soup packed with rich flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bold, comforting dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. loose Italian sausage (sweet or hot) ⓘ
- 1 c. minced onions
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 5 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine ⓘ
- 2 c. peeled tomatoes (large can)
- 1 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 8 oz. tortellini ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 10 peppercorns
- 1 can chickpeas with liquid ⓘ
- 1 can Italian green beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pot, breaking it into small pieces. Add minced onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, water, red wine, and add sliced carrots, basil, oregano, peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add sliced zucchini and tortellini to the soup. Continue to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas (with liquid) and drained green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or adding a splash more red wine. If you want a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to use fresh basil instead of dried. For a twist, add some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. This soup is also fantastic with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Lasagne(Microwave) or a light Italian recipe. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the soup’s consistency, as it may thicken in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soup Tortellini contains roughly 1122 calories, with 59g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), and calcium (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% 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 in advance?
Yes, this soup improves in flavor when made ahead. Prepare the soup, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. However, add tortellini and vegetables fresh during reheating to maintain their texture.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a convenient option. Just add it to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking, similar to fresh tortellini. There's no need to thaw beforehand, making it a quick option for a busy weeknight meal.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you want to avoid sausage, use ground turkey or chicken seasoned with Italian spices. For a vegetarian option, replace it with mushrooms or lentils, which provide a hearty texture. Adjust the seasoning to maintain the robust flavor of 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).