Sausage Tortellini Soup

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Create the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
6. Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Sausage Options: While Italian sausage is traditional, you can also use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute if you prefer a lighter option.
• Tortellini Variations: Cheese-filled tortellini is a classic choice, but meat-filled tortellini or even spinach and ricotta varieties work well too. Experiment with your favorite flavors!
• Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the soup even heartier.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, Sausage Tortellini Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Note: The tortellini will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

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