Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm and hearty, this Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's a meal the whole family will love.
This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with tender tortellini and fresh spinach. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling, perfect for cold nights
- Easy to make in just 30 minutes
- Packed with flavor from Italian sausage and fresh spinach
- Comfort food that the whole family will enjoy
The Benefits of Spinach in Your Soup
Spinach is not only a delicious addition to this Sausage Tortellini Soup, but it also brings a wealth of nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, spinach supports immune function and promotes healthy skin. Its high iron content helps maintain energy levels, making this soup a perfect choice for a hearty meal.
Incorporating fresh spinach into your cooking can enhance both flavor and nutrition. The vibrant green leaves not only add color to your dish but also infuse it with a mild, earthy taste. Cooking spinach quickly, as you do in this recipe, helps preserve its nutritional value while ensuring it retains a pleasant texture.
Moreover, spinach is rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress in the body. This means that enjoying a warm bowl of this soup doesn't just comfort your soul; it also contributes to your overall health, making it a win-win for family dinners.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This Sausage Tortellini Soup is designed with busy weeknights in mind. With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table in no time, making it an excellent option for families on the go.
The use of refrigerated tortellini means that you don't have to spend time making pasta from scratch, allowing you to focus on the flavors of the soup. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences, making it a staple for any kitchen.
Additionally, this soup can be easily scaled up or down, accommodating both small and large gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the advantages of this Sausage Tortellini Soup is that it stores wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy the flavors even after the initial meal. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months, making it a practical choice for meal prep.
When reheating, be mindful that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth. To revive the soup, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or water while heating on the stovetop. This not only restores the soup’s consistency but also enhances the flavors, ensuring you enjoy every bite.
For those who love to pack lunch, this soup travels well in a thermos, keeping it warm and ready to enjoy. Whether you're at work or school, a warm bowl of this hearty soup will surely brighten your day.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach:
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup:
Cook the Sausage
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the tortellini and Italian seasoning. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 7-10 minutes.
Add Spinach
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of sausage tortellini soup!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Sausage Tortellini Soup experience, consider pairing it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. The combination of flavors will complement the richness of the soup and provide a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, can also enhance the presentation and add a burst of freshness.
For a touch of spice, serve the soup with red pepper flakes on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl according to their heat preference. You could even add a dollop of pesto on top for an extra layer of flavor that balances nicely with the Italian sausage.
Variations to Try
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is highly adaptable, making it easy to experiment with different ingredients. For a vegetarian option, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, to boost the soup's nutrition and flavor.
If you're looking for a creamy version of this soup, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese just before serving. This will give the broth a rich, velvety texture that adds another dimension to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a creamier soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
→ Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, the tortellini may become softer after thawing. It's best to add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Warm and hearty, this Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's a meal the whole family will love.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the tortellini and Italian seasoning. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 7-10 minutes.
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g