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High Protein Tuscan Tortellini Soup - Cozy, Filling, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed (or use chicken sausage)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (9–12-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (stems removed if using kale)
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream (or use unsweetened cashew cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon), to brighten
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and cook until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add beans and simmer: Stir in cannellini beans. Reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Cook the tortellini: Add tortellini and simmer according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until just tender. Do not overcook.
  6. Finish with greens and cream: Stir in spinach (or kale) and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes. Lower the heat and add half-and-half and Parmesan. Stir gently and heat through without boiling.
  7. Brighten and taste: Squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if using. Enjoy warm.