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If you’re searching for a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in, tortellini sausage soup with spinach is the answer. Combining tender, cheese-filled tortellini, rich Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, this dish offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes. With its creamy base, packed with flavor, this soup is not only a comfort food but also a meal that will nourish your body.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping because it requires minimal ingredients and is quick to put together. If you love simple one-pot meals, this soup will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why this soup is such a favorite and how you can customize it to suit your preferences.

Why Make Tortellini Sausage Soup?

Here are some reasons why tortellini sausage soup with spinach is a fantastic choice for any meal:

Quick and Easy: The recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after dinner.
Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the sausage, iron from the spinach, and carbs from the tortellini, this is a complete meal in a bowl.
Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences, such as making it vegetarian or dairy-free.

Additionally, if you’re looking for other quick and healthy meals that make great use of fresh vegetables, you might want to try this delicious vegan air-fried zucchini recipe. It’s another fantastic option for a healthy and crispy snack.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, and it all starts with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make tortellini sausage soup with spinach:

Cheese Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is the most popular choice for this soup because it adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the sausage and broth. However, feel free to experiment with other tortellini fillings like meat or spinach.
Italian Sausage: Both mild and spicy varieties work great in this soup, depending on your spice tolerance. For a healthier alternative, consider using chicken or turkey sausage. If you’re curious about healthier sausage options, this guide on Italian chicken sausage can offer insights.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal because it wilts beautifully in the hot soup, but frozen spinach is also an option if you’re in a pinch. Spinach not only adds vibrant color but also a boost of essential nutrients, including iron, fiber, and vitamins.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works well as a base. Opt for a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake, as you can always adjust the seasoning later.
Heavy Cream: The cream is what gives this soup its luxurious, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics build the flavor foundation for the soup, creating a savory base that complements the richness of the sausage and cream.
Seasonings: A blend of Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) plus salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of this dish, incorporating mild Italian sausage recipes can offer you ideas on how to reduce the richness while still maintaining the bold flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tortellini Sausage Soup

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious tortellini sausage soup with spinach:

Cook the Sausage: Begin by browning your Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. This step is crucial as it renders the fat and creates a depth of flavor that will infuse the entire soup. Be sure to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
Add Aromatics: After the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the garlic and onions in the rendered fat from the sausage. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to your soup.
Season and Simmer: Add in your Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld together.
Add Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in the tortellini and fresh spinach. Allow the tortellini to cook in the simmering broth for about 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy. The spinach will wilt naturally during this time.
Finish with Cream: Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through without boiling, ensuring the soup remains smooth and creamy.

Choosing the Right Tortellini

When making this soup, one of the key ingredients is the tortellini. You can find fresh, frozen, or even dried varieties at most grocery stores, but which one should you use? Here are a few tips:

Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini will cook the quickest and provide the softest texture. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a shorter cooking time and a more delicate bite.
Frozen Tortellini: Frozen tortellini works just as well in this soup and can be added directly to the broth without thawing. It will take a few extra minutes to cook, but it’s perfect for stocking your freezer and always having it on hand.
Dried Tortellini: This version will take the longest to cook, but it has a firmer bite and holds up well in soups that you plan to store or freeze.

Sausage Selection: Mild or Spicy?

The type of sausage you choose can really change the flavor profile of your soup. For a mild, comforting version, use traditional mild Italian sausage. If you like a bit of heat, try using a spicy version. Here are some options to consider:

Traditional Italian Sausage: This is the classic choice for this soup, offering rich flavors that blend well with the creamy broth.
Spicy Sausage: If you enjoy a little kick, using spicy Italian sausage will give your soup a bit more depth and heat, which can balance the creaminess.
Chicken or Turkey Sausage: For a leaner alternative, chicken or turkey sausage is a great option. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without as much fat.

Wondering how to prepare sausages in different ways? Check out this guide on how to prepare Italian sausage in the oven for even more cooking inspiration.

Spinach: Fresh or Frozen?

Spinach plays an important role in this recipe, adding both flavor and nutrients. Fresh spinach is recommended because it has a delicate texture and a bright green color when it wilts into the soup. However, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative, especially when fresh spinach isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the soup to avoid extra water.

Spinach is incredibly nutritious, providing an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s a great way to add extra greens to your diet without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.

Customizing the Recipe

While the base recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for a more filling meal.
Dairy-Free: For those who are lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. It will still provide a creamy texture but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to this soup, such as carrots, kale, or bell peppers. This can make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
Pasta Swap: If you don’t have tortellini on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ravioli, orzo, or gnocchi.

How to Serve and Store Tortellini Sausage Soup

Serve your tortellini sausage soup with spinach alongside a fresh salad, crusty bread, or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light side dish like sausage rolls, which complement the rich and creamy texture of the soup.

This soup stores well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Here’s how you can store it:

In the Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, you may want to cook and store it separately, adding it to the soup when reheating.

When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to loosen up the soup if it has thickened too much during storage.

Conclusion

Tortellini sausage soup with spinach is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and creamy indulgence. Best of all, it’s customizable to suit any dietary needs or preferences.

Try this comforting soup tonight and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this delicious, hearty meal.