Tortellini soup is a beloved dish for those who enjoy both pasta and hearty, warm soups. It’s a complete, flavorful meal that brings together rich Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and nutrient-packed greens, all simmered in a savory broth. Whether you’re looking for something comforting on a chilly night or a light yet filling dinner, this tortellini soup hits the mark every time.
This soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables, proteins, and spices, making it a dish you can enjoy all year round. Here’s how you can prepare this amazing meal at home, with detailed steps and pro tips to ensure success every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 cups beef broth (or any broth you prefer)
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 14½ ounces canned fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh arugula (or spinach)
- 10 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh thyme and/or basil, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Prepare the Italian Sausage:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sausage is key for adding depth to the soup, as its savory flavor enhances the overall taste. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon, leaving behind the flavorful drippings. Set the sausage aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion in the sausage drippings for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Onions provide a natural sweetness and a base for the soup’s flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Garlic gives the soup its aromatic punch, so make sure it’s golden but not overly brown.
3. Build the Flavor with Herbs:
Add the dried oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir the herbs in and let them cook for about 30 seconds to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor. Herbs like oregano and basil are classic in Italian dishes, adding warmth and a touch of earthiness. The red pepper flakes are optional but can add a nice layer of heat for those who prefer a slight kick.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Broth:
Once the herbs have melded with the onions and garlic, stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly and develop its rich, sweet, and umami-packed flavor. Tomato paste acts as a thickening agent and provides a deep, concentrated tomato flavor to the broth.
Next, pour in both the beef broth and the vegetable or chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon to deglaze it, picking up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. These little bits add complexity to the soup’s flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:
Fire-roasted tomatoes give this soup a smoky depth that regular canned tomatoes can’t match. Add the canned tomatoes, along with their juices, to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down and combine with the broth.
6. Cook the Tortellini:
Once the soup is simmering, add the cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly, usually in 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. The tortellini is the heart of the dish, providing a creamy, cheesy filling that contrasts beautifully with the broth and sausage.
7. Stir in the Greens:
When the tortellini is nearly cooked, stir in the fresh arugula or spinach. These greens will wilt down in the hot soup, adding a fresh, peppery bite and a healthy dose of nutrients. The greens also add a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.
8. Return the Sausage:
Now, return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring it in so it can heat through and meld with the rest of the ingredients. Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to infuse the broth even more.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish. Garnish with fresh thyme or basil for a bright, herbaceous note if desired. The soup can be served with crusty bread for dipping, which soaks up the broth and adds texture to the meal.
Pro Tips:
- Swap the Sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, or even make the soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize the soup with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
- Use Frozen Tortellini: If you can’t find fresh tortellini, frozen tortellini works just as well. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Richen the Broth: For a creamier version, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half and half just before serving.
This mouthwatering tortellini soup is a perfect meal for any occasion, combining savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh greens in a hearty broth. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with friends and loved ones for a cozy, satisfying meal!
