Italian Sausage Soup
This soul-warming Italian Sausage Soup balances savory sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato broth, paired with cheese-filled tortellini for a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, depending on preference
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
- 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 package
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the sausage from its casing and break it into small pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-9 minutes.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve in warm bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a healthier version, use turkey sausage instead of pork.
The soup can be made in advance and stored without the tortellini and spinach. Add these ingredients when reheating.
This soup freezes well without the pasta and greens - add fresh when reheating.
For a gluten-free option, replace tortellini with white beans or chickpeas.
The soup can be made in advance and stored without the tortellini and spinach. Add these ingredients when reheating.
This soup freezes well without the pasta and greens - add fresh when reheating.
For a gluten-free option, replace tortellini with white beans or chickpeas.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 23gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 890mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 4gVitamin A: 110IUVitamin C: 75mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg
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