Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup: A Taste of Italian Comfort

As I stir the pot of Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup, the aroma of Italian spices and simmering tomatoes fills my kitchen, transporting me to the cozy trattorias of Northern Italy. This hearty soup, a harmonious blend of tender tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables, has become my go-to recipe for chilly evenings and family gatherings alike.

The origins of this soup can be traced back to the culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna, a region in Northern Italy renowned for its rich, comforting dishes. Tortellini, the star of this soup, hails from this area, with legends attributing its creation to an innkeeper inspired by the navel of Venus. While my version takes some liberties with tradition, it captures the essence of Italian comfort food – wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

For this soul-warming soup, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 9 oz (255g) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. I begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, I add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. I brown the sausage until it’s no longer pink and has developed a golden crust, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, I remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. In the same pot, I add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. I sauté these vegetables in the sausage drippings for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, I add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Next, I pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. I sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, giving everything a good stir to combine. I bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften further and the flavors to meld.
4. After the vegetables have simmered, I add the cheese tortellini to the pot. I cook them in the simmering broth according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.
5. Once the tortellini are cooked, I stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, cooked sausage, and grated Parmesan cheese. I let this simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
6. Finally, I taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The amount will vary depending on the saltiness of your broth and sausage, so it’s important to taste and adjust accordingly.
7. To serve, I ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper. For an added touch of freshness, I sometimes add a small chiffonade of basil leaves on top.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

What I adore about this Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup is how each ingredient contributes to a harmonious whole. The hot Italian sausage provides a spicy, savory base that infuses the entire soup with flavor. The cheese-filled tortellini adds a delightful texture and richness, while the vegetables – carrots, celery, onions, and spinach – bring freshness, color, and nutritional value.

The combination of chicken broth and diced tomatoes creates a flavorful foundation, enhanced by the Italian seasoning. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese work together to create a luxurious, velvety texture that coats each spoonful. The result is a soup that’s both comforting and exciting, with each bite offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is undoubtedly a meal in itself, I sometimes like to serve it with a few accompaniments to round out the dining experience:

• A slice of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping
• A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette
• A glass of medium-bodied Italian red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the beauties of this soup is that it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. If you’re planning to make it ahead, I recommend cooking it through step 3, then cooling and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stove, add the tortellini, and complete the remaining steps.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out, as the soup tends to thicken as it sits. Be careful not to overcook when reheating, as the tortellini can become mushy.

Nutrition Information

This Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup serves 6-8 people. Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 580
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

In conclusion, this Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and simple preparation, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this soup offers a taste of Italian warmth and hospitality that’s sure to please. Buon appetito!