Delicious Tortellini Soup

Name: Delicious Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground sausage meat (beef, or pork); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp butter; 1 onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (crushed); 2 sticks celery (chopped); 2 carrots (peeled and chopped); ¼ cup cornstarch; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups beef broth; ½ Pound tortellini of choice; 1 cup cream; 2 cups spinach (roughly cut)

Cozy up with a bowl of our Delicious Tortellini Soup – a hearty and comforting dish perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings.

Forget pumpkin spice. Few things are more comforting on a chilly day than a bowlful of warm, delicious Tortellini Soup. This dish offers a hearty meal with a cold-defying mix of sausage, vegetables, onions, and garlic, all in a zesty tomato broth.

I usually put this soup is in rotation on my dinner calendar from September to May. When I can hear the first horn from the high school football stadium three blocks away, I know it’s time to sizzle up some sausage. In the winter, I like to put up some fuzzy socks and curl up next to the fire, a cup of soup in one hand and my favorite novel in the other. Sure, there are other good soups out there (I’m particularly fond of this Cheeseburger Soup and this Cajun 15-Bean Soup), but this Tortellini recipe stays at the top my list of favorites.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Delicious Tortellini Soup with a warm slice of Homemade Buttermilk Bread for the ultimate comfort meal. A simple side salad might provide some crispy freshness. And you can’t go wrong with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Can you say slice of heaven?

Ingredients

1 pound ground sausage meat (beef or pork)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
1 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 Sticks celery (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 can diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
½ pound tortellini of choice
1 cup cream
2 cups spinach (roughly cut)

Instructions

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Yields: 4-6 servings

Heat a pot to medium-high, add the olive oil, meat, garlic, onion, carrots, and celery, and stir for 4-5 minutes.

Melt the butter into the mixture, then add the diced tomatoes, thyme, tomato paste, and broth. Use a spoon to mix in the cornstarch. Place back onto the heat and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Add the tortellini to the soup, and place back on the heat for 5 minutes.

Pour in the cream and spinach and return to the stove for 5 minutes or until the spinach is wilted. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Tortellini Soup

Brown the sausage meat well, and use fresh vegetables whenever possible.
Stir the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the soup. This will prevent it from clumping.
Don’t skip the thyme. It provides a subtle contrast to the flavors of the soup.
Add the spinach at the very end to prevent overcooking. It should maintain its structure and vivid green color.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can try ravioli, gnocchi, or small pasta shapes like orzo. You can also use frozen tortellini if you don’t have fresh on hand. Remember to cook them a little longer.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the sausage or replacing it with a vegetarian ground sausage alternative. Don;t forget to substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Scones Recipe

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Of course! Some great additions include zucchini, bell peppers, peas, or kale. Just add them along with the carrots and celery during the initial cooking stage.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can keep the creamy texture with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut, almond, or soy milk.

Variations

Switch to chicken sausage and add mushrooms for an earthy spin.
Substitute sausage with crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Use cheese tortellini and add peas for a child-friendly dish.
Add cannellini beans and kale for a Tuscan tortellini take.
Blend in some shrimp for a creamy seafood soup.
Take the heat up a notch with hot Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Make Ahead and How to Store

Like most soups, this Delicious Tortellini Soup is even better on the second day. After you’ve cooked the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I usually simply cook on the stove on medium heat for a few minutes until warm. Don’t forget to stir occasionally. If it gets too thick, I simply add a bit of broth to get to my preferred consistency.

You can also freeze your soup, but I recommend storing the tortellini separately from the rest of the soup so things don’t get too mushy. It should keep for two to three months in the freezer.