Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal that warms the soul, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is a family favorite in my home. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, filling the air with comforting aromas and the promise of good conversation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this soup is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

What makes this soup so special is its delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender tortellini, paired with fresh spinach and hearty sausage, creates a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on chilly days. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to whip up! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and appealing ingredients, everyone will want seconds!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it when needed—it’s even better the next day!
• Nutritious: Packed with greens and protein, it’s a hearty option that satisfies without compromising on health.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand—it’s as flexible as it is delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays a vital role in creating that rich and delicious flavor we all crave in a comforting bowl of soup. Let’s gather everything you’ll need!

For the Soup

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference), removed from casings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Variations

One of the great things about this Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is how flexible it is! You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite flavors. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option!
• Add more veggies: Toss in carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Go vegan: Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead.

How to Make Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it until it’s crumbled nicely (about 7-10 minutes). Removing the sausage at this stage keeps it juicy while allowing you to build flavors in the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add your chopped onion. Cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Adding garlic next gives off an incredible aroma—cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). These aromatics form a flavorful base for your soup!

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in your chicken broth along with those undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in cannellini beans, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bringing back that browned sausage into the pot adds heartiness to your soup.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle simmer before reducing heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes if you have time). This simmering allows all those flavors to meld beautifully! Don’t forget to taste along the way; seasoning with salt and pepper will elevate your soup.

Step 5: Add Tortellini and Spinach

Once your broth is infused with flavor, toss in fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually around 3-5 minutes). Stir in fresh spinach until it wilts just right (about 1-2 minutes). The vibrant greens not only add color but also nutrients!

Step 6: Finishing Touches (Optional)

For an extra touch of creaminess, stir in heavy cream if desired. Give everything one last taste test; adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle your warm soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately with some crusty bread on the side—perfect for dipping!

Pro Tips for Making Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Making this soup is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure it’s a hit every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality tortellini. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also provide better texture and nutrients.

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a kick, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes. This will give your soup an extra layer of warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to cook the tortellini separately if you’re planning to store leftovers.

• Experiment with Broth: For a unique flavor twist, try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This can add an earthy taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

• Customize Your Greens: While spinach is fantastic, feel free to mix in kale or Swiss chard for variety. These greens provide additional nutrients and a different texture to your soup.

How to Serve Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Serving this hearty soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides that enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile, giving a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth and soaking up every last drop.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing adds crunch and balances the meal nicely.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a colorful and nutritious contrast to the comforting soup.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil makes for a refreshing side that complements the flavors of your soup perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, your Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup will be an inviting centerpiece at any meal! Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Pour any leftover soup into an airtight container.
• Let the soup cool down to room temperature before sealing the container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer as mentioned in the storage section. Just remember that the flavors will develop nicely if you let it sit overnight!

What type of sausage should I use for Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup?

You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference. Feel free to select a turkey or chicken sausage as a lighter alternative too!

Can I add more vegetables to my Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers will enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions for best results.

Is there a vegetarian version of Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Increase the amount of cannellini beans or add some mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have tortellini on hand?

No problem! You can easily replace tortellini with other pasta shapes like shells or ditalini. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in exploring this comforting Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup! It’s not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients that everyone will love. I hope you enjoy preparing it as much as I do, and that each spoonful warms your heart. Feel free to share your experiences and variations—I’d love to hear from you! Happy cooking!