Tortellini Minestrone(8 To 10 Cups)
A hearty and flavorful minestrone featuring sausage, vegetables, and cheese tortellini, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Italian sausage ⓘ
- 6 c beef broth ⓘ
- 1 c chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 lb can undrained tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c thin sliced celery
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 c sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 medium green pepper diced ⓘ
- 1/4 c chopped parsley ⓘ
- grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage.
- Add beef broth, chopped onion, dry red wine, undrained tomatoes, sliced celery, Italian seasonings, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Skim any fat from the soup.
- Stir in sliced zucchini, cheese tortellini, diced green pepper, and chopped parsley. Simmer, covered, until the pasta is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding beans like cannellini for extra protein and fiber. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for more flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables or leftovers from other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tortellini Minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley for a fresh finish. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Easy-Living Lasagna, which complements the flavors perfectly and adds more Italian flair to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This soup freezes well; just make sure to leave out the tortellini before freezing, adding it fresh upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Minestrone(8 To 10 Cups) contains roughly 810 calories, with 31g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1298mg per serving (56% 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 frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add them directly to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. There's no need to thaw them beforehand; they will cook perfectly in the simmering broth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Tortellini Minestrone, you can include red pepper flakes when browning the sausage or add diced jalapeños along with the vegetables. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for the desired level of spiciness.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you're looking for a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be excellent substitutes for beef broth. Chicken broth will maintain a rich flavor, while vegetable broth provides a more delicate taste, making it a good choice for a vegetarian version of this dish.
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).