Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spicy Sausage and Vegetable Tortellini Soup is not just another soup—it's a hearty, soul-warming dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and rescue you from bland meal monotony. Imagine a rich, robust broth packed with tender tortellini, spicy Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables that come together in under 35 minutes. Whether you're craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen stardom!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and break it into small chunks. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- While the sausage is cooking, dice the carrots and celery into uniform small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality spicy Italian sausage for maximum flavor. The spicier the sausage, the more robust your soup will be.
- Vegetable Prep: Cut carrots and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Tortellini Timing: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. They should be tender but still have a slight bite, typically 7-8 minutes of simmering.
- Spinach Freshness: Add spinach at the very end to maintain its bright green color and prevent wilting.
- Broth Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
- Garnish Options: Enhance the soup with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg