Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Make sure to remove the casings before cooking.

Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and savory notes.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the broth.

Cheese tortellini: Provides a hearty and cheesy element to the soup.

Basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to the soup.

Oregano: Contributes a warm and aromatic note to the broth.

Spinach: Adds a fresh and nutritious touch to the soup.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When browning the italian sausage, make sure to break it up into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld better with the onion and garlic. Additionally, removing excess fat after browning helps to keep the soup from becoming too greasy, resulting in a cleaner, more balanced flavor.

• italian sausage - Substitute with ground turkey with italian seasoning: Ground turkey mixed with Italian seasoning can mimic the flavors of Italian sausage while being a leaner option.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar flavor profile but are slightly sweeter and milder.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, though the soup may be slightly thicker.

• cheese tortellini - Substitute with spinach and ricotta tortellini: Spinach and ricotta tortellini can add a different but complementary flavor to the soup.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried basil.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano offers a more intense and aromatic flavor than dried oregano.

• chopped spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can add a different texture and a slightly more robust flavor to the soup.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• Allow the Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery soup.

• Transfer the soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This makes reheating a breeze and ensures you only thaw what you need.

• Label each container with the date. This is crucial for keeping track of freshness. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the soup in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.

• If you prefer to freeze the cheese tortellini separately to maintain its texture, cook the tortellini as per the recipe, then spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

• If you froze the tortellini separately, add them to the reheated soup and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

• Always taste the soup after reheating and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The flavors can mellow over time, so a little extra seasoning might be required.

• For a fresh touch, consider adding a handful of freshly chopped spinach or a sprinkle of dried basil and dried oregano just before serving. This can revive the flavors and add a burst of color to your bowl.

• Stovetop Method: Pour the leftover Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup into a medium-sized pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much. Heat until the tortellini and sausage are warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the soup is not hot enough, continue to heat in 30-second increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbly. Stir halfway through the heating process for even warming.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, pour the leftover soup into a slow cooker. Set it to the low setting and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for maintaining the soup's texture and flavor without the risk of overcooking.

• Double Boiler Method: For a gentle reheating option, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the soup in the top pot and stir occasionally. This method ensures the soup heats evenly without scorching, perfect for maintaining the integrity of the cheese tortellini and spinach.

• Large pot: used for cooking the Italian sausage and combining all the soup ingredients

• Wooden spoon: ideal for stirring the sausage, onions, and garlic without scratching the pot

• Knife: essential for dicing the onion and chopping the spinach

• Cutting board: provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the dried basil and dried oregano accurately

• Measuring cup: necessary for measuring the chicken broth

• Can opener: required to open the can of diced tomatoes

• Colander: useful for draining excess fat from the cooked sausage

• Ladle: perfect for serving the soup into bowls

Pre-cook sausage: Cook the italian sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you start making the soup.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy diced onion and minced garlic from the store to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.

Canned tomatoes: Use a can of diced tomatoes to avoid the hassle of chopping fresh ones.

Quick-cook tortellini: Choose a cheese tortellini brand that cooks quickly to reduce simmering time.