Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup featuring browned Italian sausage, a medley of sautéed vegetables, rich tomato broth, and tender cheese tortellini. This easy-to-make soup combines Italian flavors with creamy goodness, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy soup)
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and diced green pepper to the browned sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can tomato sauce, and 1 can diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook tortellini: Add the package of cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Add cream (optional): If a creamy texture is desired, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and heat through without boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with finely shredded parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if preferred.
- Adjust the heat of the soup by using mild or hot Italian sausage.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish enhances the flavor and presentation.
