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Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup - Cozy, Hearty, and Ready Fast

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

Ingredients
  

  • Italian sausage: 1 pound, casings removed; use mild or hot.
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons for sautéing, as needed.
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced.
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced.
  • Celery: 2 ribs, sliced.
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced.
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14–15 ounces).
  • Chicken broth: 4 cups (or low-sodium).
  • Italian seasoning: 1–2 teaspoons.
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional for heat.
  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini: 12–16 ounces.
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half: 1/2–3/4 cup.
  • Fresh spinach or kale: 2–3 cups, roughly chopped.
  • Parmesan cheese: For serving.
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then the sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, until softened, 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the broth: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the vegetables finish softening.
  5. Cook the tortellini: Add tortellini and simmer according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until they float and are tender.
  6. Add cream and greens: Lower the heat. Stir in the cream and spinach (or kale). Cook 1–2 minutes, just until the greens wilt and the soup looks creamy.
  7. Season and serve: Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if you like.