Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup

$- 8 oz Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, sliced - 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 (12 oz) package of cheese tortellini - 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great soup. I always choose fresh items for the best flavor. The star of this dish is the Italian sausage. You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a rich base, I use onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. These veggies add depth and sweetness to the soup. Don't forget the tortellini! A 12 oz package of cheese-filled pasta makes it hearty. The greens, either kale or spinach, add color and nutrients. I love using diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity. Italian seasoning ties it all together. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance the flavors, while olive oil gives a nice finish. This soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for autumn days. With fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top, it looks and tastes amazing. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a comforting and delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step builds a strong base for your soup. 2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery: Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Cook these vegetables together for about 5 minutes. Stir them often until they begin to soften. The aroma will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. - Crumble and brown the Italian sausage: Now, it’s time to add 8 oz of Italian sausage. Crumble the sausage into the pot. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it browned and fully cooked. Breaking it up with your spoon helps it cook evenly and melds its flavors with the veggies. - Add broth, diced tomatoes, and seasoning: Once the sausage is cooked, pour in 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins! The flavors will blend beautifully. - Add tortellini and kale, adjust seasoning: After boiling, toss in 1 (12 oz) package of cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. When the tortellini floats to the top, it's ready! Stir in 1 cup of chopped kale and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust as needed to get the perfect flavor. Now, you have a hearty and warm meal ready to enjoy! - Ensure sausage is fully cooked: Cook the sausage until it is browned and crumbles easily. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. You want it safe to eat and full of flavor. - How to properly sauté vegetables: Start with a hot pan and add olive oil. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes. Then, add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook them for another 5 minutes. This helps build a tasty base for your soup. - Tips for adjusting seasoning: After adding the broth and tomatoes, taste the soup. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to fit your taste. Small changes can really boost flavor. - Suggestions for adding heat or extra flavor: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For extra depth, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. It brightens the soup and adds a unique twist. - Pairing with crusty bread: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread. It soaks up the broth and makes each bite comforting. A good loaf enhances the meal. - Best sides to serve with soup: A simple green salad with light dressing goes well with this soup. It balances the meal and adds freshness. You can also serve cheese sticks for a fun touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your soup. Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder soup, use mild Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Make it a Meal: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that is perfect for autumn evenings. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can change up the sausage in your soup. Try chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you want more heat, use spicy Italian sausage. For a milder taste, go with sweet Italian sausage. You can also swap the greens. If you don’t have kale, use Swiss chard. Spinach is another great option. These greens add color and nutrition. If you need a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this option. You can also use rice or quinoa instead of tortellini. For a vegan soup, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. There are many tasty products on the market. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full flavor. Adding spices can change the flavor of your soup. Try red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh taste. Experimenting with different broths is fun too. Use a rich mushroom broth for depth. You can also try adding a splash of white wine for complexity. These changes can make the soup your own. To store your Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup, let it cool first. Then, scoop it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This helps prevent spills when it expands in the fridge. Store the soup in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your soup, use freezer-safe containers. Portion the soup for easy meals later. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, transfer the soup to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat frozen soup, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal any time! Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat it gently on the stove. What can I serve with this soup? I love serving this soup with crusty bread. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. Both sides add a nice touch to the meal. Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any small pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. What if I don’t have kale or spinach? If you have other greens, feel free to use them. Swiss chard or even arugula works well. Just chop them and stir them in at the end. How long can I keep leftovers? Leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. Can I freeze tortellini soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just cool it first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last about 3 months frozen. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it up. In this post, we covered how to make a delicious autumn sausage tortellini soup. We discussed each ingredient and shared easy steps for cooking. I gave tips on enhancing flavors and serving ideas. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your tastes, and the soup stores well for later. Experimenting with this recipe can lead to new favorites. Enjoy making this warm, comforting dish!$

Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup

A hearty and comforting soup featuring Italian sausage, tortellini, and seasonal vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
12 oz package of cheese tortellini
1 cup kale, chopped
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot; cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally and break up the sausage with a spoon.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until they float to the top and are tender.
Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Feel free to substitute kale with spinach if preferred.

Keyword autumn, comfort food, sausage, soup, tortellini