Hearty Creamy Tortellini Soup a Bowl of Italian Sunshine

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? This creamy tortellini soup is seriously lush. It's Italian sunshine meets comfort food recipes and trust me, you'll be hooked.

Brief Overview

This cheese tortellini soup recipe hails from the land of pasta and passion: Italy. This version of Italian soup recipes is dead easy to make, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish, feeding six hungry souls .

Main Benefits

It is rich in protein thanks to the Italian sausage. Whip it up for a cosy weeknight dinner, perfect for when you need something quick and satisfying.

What makes this easy tortellini soup recipe special? The creamy tomato broth hugs those cheese filled tortellinis just right.

Let's Get Started: Creamy Tortellini Magic

This creamy tomato tortellini soup is like a warm blanket on a cold day. I remember once trying to impress a date with a fancy risotto.

Huge fail. This, however, is foolproof. You know? I've had it on repeat ever since. Plus, there are so many tortellini soup variations you can try.

This recipe uses convenience ingredients so you will be enjoying it shortly. First, we sizzle some sausange, then build our flavourful broth and finally add the cheesy goodness and spinach.

I like using Italian sausage; it adds a real depth of flavour. The spinach helps you feel better about eating all the cheese.

Oh, and the weeknight dinner recipes doesn't get easier than this.

And now, lets jump into the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Right then, fancy making some creamy tortellini soup ? Of course, you do! It's proper comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.

Before we get stuck in, let's gather our bits and bobs. Trust me, being organised makes life easier, innit? We're aiming for the best Italian soup recipes possible.

Main Ingredients for Our Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Extra virgin is always a winner, but any will do, honestly.
• Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g), removed from casings. Go for sweet or mild, whatever tickles your fancy. Quality sausage makes all the difference, you know? Look for a good colour and a nice, herby smell.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Don't stress about being perfect with the chop, it all cooks down anyway.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons or 6g). Fresh is best, but jarred stuff is fine in a pinch.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (794g). Good quality tinned tomatoes make the soup taste amazing.
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (950ml). Low sodium is the way to go, then you can control the saltiness.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) (optional). If you like a bit of a kick, go for it!
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
• Cheese tortellini: 1 (9-ounce) package (255g), refrigerated. Honestly, I love a good cheese tortellini soup.
• Fresh spinach: 5 ounces (140g), roughly chopped.
• Heavy cream: ½ cup (120 ml). This is what makes it creamy tomato tortellini soup !
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (30g), grated. Plus, more for serving, of course!

Seasoning: Spicing Things Up

The classic combo? Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme) is a must. Red pepper flakes bring the heat if that's your bag.

A good pinch of salt and pepper elevates everything. If you don't have Italian seasoning, chuck in some dried oregano and basil sorted.

These are essentials for tasty tortellini soup variations .

Equipment You'll Need

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy tortellini soup recipe , promise!

• Large Dutch oven or pot. Something big enough to hold all the goodness.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, naturally.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Chef's knife. For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Cutting board. Protects your work surface, like.

Right, that's all the gear sorted. Now, let's actually cook this Italian sausage tortellini soup ! Trust me, it's a weeknight dinner recipe winner!

Hearty and Creamy Tortellini Soup: A Bowl of Italian Sunshine

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my go-to comfort food: Creamy Tortellini Soup! It's seriously the best, especially on a cold night.

As a chef, I have cooked for my family this easy tortellini soup recipe version, and this is comfort food recipes at its finest.

This recipe is simple enough for even the most beginner cook. Honestly, it's almost too easy! Let's dive in, shall we?

Prep Like a Pro

Getting your mise en place sorted is key! Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and get that sausage ready. Honestly, this makes the whole process so much smoother.

Having everything prepped saves valuable time. And don't forget, safety first! Keep your knives sharp and your fingers out of the way.

From Start to Finish: Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Alright, let's get cooking! Here’s how to make this Italian soup recipes :

1. Brown 1 pound Italian sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Break it up nicely.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves . Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes .
3. Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer.
4. Add 1 (9-ounce) package of cheese tortellini and cook until they float, that's only a few minutes.
5. Stir in 5 ounces spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes . Reduce heat. Add ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Don’t boil!

See? So easy!

Pro Tips for Creamy Tortellini Soup

Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are a few of my secrets. I always love a good tortellini soup variations tip!

First, don't overcook the tortellini. They should be tender, not mushy. Also, make sure to really brown the sausage. It adds SO much flavour! This is an Italian sausage tortellini soup twist that I always apply.

Now, you can totally make this ahead of time. Just leave out the cream and spinach. Add them when you reheat it.

And watch out, the cream curdles if the soup temperature is too high.

If you don't have Italian sausage, you can use any ground meat you have on hand for this cheese tortellini soup iteration.

A bit of extra Italian seasoning can also add to the flavor. This weeknight dinner recipes idea is sure to become a family favorite.

Honestly, this creamy tomato tortellini soup is ready in less than an hour!

Trust me, once you try this creamy tortellini soup , you'll be hooked! It's the perfect easy tortellini soup recipe for a quick and comforting meal.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Creamy Tortellini Soup Sing!

Right then, let's talk about getting this creamy tortellini soup just right. It's more than just throwing things in a pot, you know? It's about building flavour and making sure everyone shouts "More, please!".

Honestly, I’ve made this easy tortellini soup recipe more times than I can count, and each time I tweak something.

So, learn from my uh-ohs and "brilliant!" moments.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Innit?

Plating can really elevate even the humblest Italian sausage tortellini soup . Think about ladling the soup into warm bowls. Swirl a tiny bit of extra cream on top.

Sprinkle with Parmesan. A sprig of basil looks fancy, yeah? As for sides, garlic bread is always a winner for dunking.

A simple green salad cuts through the richness. And a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio? Lovely jubbly!

Storage Tips: Making it Last (If it Does!)

If you are lucky to have leftovers, the creamy tomato tortellini soup can be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days .

Make sure it's in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. As for freezing, it's doable.

Be warned the tortellini might get a bit soft. I'd say make a fresh batch if you can. It does't take too long.

Variations: Making it Your Own!

Fancy a tweak? To make it vegetarian , lose the sausage. Add more veggies courgette or bell peppers work a treat.

Use vegetable stock. Or, for a bit of heat, a pinch of chilli flakes does wonders. Or try a little tortellini soup with spinach

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Each serving clocks in around 380 calories . You get a decent whack of protein from the sausage and cheese, some carbs from the tortellini, and healthy fats from the cream.

Plus, spinach gives you a vitamin boost. Of course, this is a rough estimate. Salt content depends on your broth and sausage.

So, there you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to creating a cracking bowl of comfort food recipes .

Don't be afraid to experiment. This Italian soup recipes are very easy to adapt to your taste buds. Now, get in the kitchen and get cooking, mate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make creamy tortellini soup ahead of time?

You certainly can, but with a few caveats! The soup itself can be made 1-2 days in advance. However, it's best to add the tortellini and spinach right before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and the spinach from getting slimy.

Think of it like brewing a good cup of tea best served fresh, right?

How do I store leftover creamy tortellini soup?

Store leftover creamy tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth as it sits. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Just like reheating a good curry, a little extra liquid helps!

Is there a way to make this creamy tortellini soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to make it even heartier. Consider it a veggie packed hug in a bowl, just like your grandma's vegetable soup!

Can I freeze creamy tortellini soup?

Freezing creamy soups can be a bit tricky due to the dairy content, which can sometimes separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the soup without the cream and tortellini. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then add the cooked tortellini, fresh spinach, and cream when reheating.

It will be almost as good as the original, I promise!

How can I thicken my creamy tortellini soup if it's too thin?

If your creamy tortellini soup is not as thick as you'd like, there are a few tricks you can try. First, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering soup. Simmer for a minute or two until thickened. It's like adding a touch of magic dust!

What other variations can I make to this creamy tortellini soup recipe?

The possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a different protein, try using ground beef or shredded chicken instead of Italian sausage. You can even swap out the spinach for kale or another leafy green you enjoy.

Get creative and make it your own - treat it like a blank canvas for your culinary masterpiece!