Spicy Tortellini Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up your evenings with this hearty Spicy Tortellini Soup featuring savory spicy Italian sausage and delightful cheese-filled tortellini. Bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This Spicy Tortellini Soup is a family favorite, combining the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage with tender, cheese-filled tortellini. It's a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Nothing says comfort quite like a warm bowl of soup. This Spicy Tortellini Soup is a standout with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. The combination of savory sausage and tender tortellini creates a dish that is hearty enough to fill you up, yet light enough not to overpower your palate. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you've got the quintessential cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
One of the best attributes of soup is its versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don't have spicy Italian sausage? Swap it for a mild variety or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarians can replace the sausage with mushrooms or lentils to retain that hearty texture without the meat. The added vegetables also make it a wholesome meal packed with nutrients.
A Dish for Every Season
While this soup is especially delightful on chilly evenings, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round. In winter, the warmth of the spices and the earthy flavors can bring comfort during the cold months. In spring, fresh vegetables like spinach become even more vibrant and flavorful, enhancing your dish beautifully. Plus, preparing this tortellini soup as a meal-prep option means you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week, making it a practical choice too!
Hosting a casual gathering? This soup can be prepared ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the tortellini, let it cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat and add the tortellini and spinach for a quick and impressive dish that will have your guests raving.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
In our fast-paced lives, finding a quick yet satisfying dinner option is crucial. This Spicy Tortellini Soup can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. The one-pot preparation not only saves time in cooking but also makes cleaning up a breeze. Simply chop your vegetables and let the flavors meld together while you focus on other tasks or unwind after a long day.
The simplicity of this recipe doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices makes each spoonful a delight. If you have a busy schedule, consider preparing a large batch during the weekend to enjoy throughout the week. You can refrigerate leftovers for quick meals, or freeze portions for a future dinner, ensuring you always have a comforting bowl of soup at the ready.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!
Instructions
Cook the sausage
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Sauté the vegetables
Once the sausage is browned, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add liquids and seasoning
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add tortellini and spinach
Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes until they float. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Serve
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty soup!
Pairing Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your spicy tortellini soup with a crisp side salad. A salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy soup. Additionally, topping your soup with grated cheese, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
For a beverage pairing, a chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red, can beautifully complement the flavors in the soup. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon can cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall meal.
Storage Tips
When it comes to storing your Spicy Tortellini Soup, ensure it has cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. Just remember to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand while freezing.
To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help return it to its original creamy consistency, ensuring that each bowl tastes as good as the first.
Creative Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, experimenting with flavors can lead to exciting new variations. For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese while cooking. If you enjoy extra heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an added kick.
For those who love a bit of adventure in their cooking, replacing the tortellini with gnocchi can transform this dish into a delightful twist that still maintains the essence of your original soup. By simply making these small adjustments, you can create a soup that feels fresh each time you make it, ensuring everyone at the table keeps coming back for more.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
→ How long will the soup last in the fridge?
The soup can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Spicy Tortellini Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage
Warm up your evenings with this hearty Spicy Tortellini Soup featuring savory spicy Italian sausage and delightful cheese-filled tortellini. Bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Once the sausage is browned, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes until they float. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g