Anytime Easy Tortellini, Sausage, and Spinach Soup
I had to bring my ferns in last night after feeling like it may snow at soccer practice. If it were October I’d be ok, but in March I’m ready for sunshine, not ready for freezing temps. If it’s still cold, I suppose I’m still cooking soup.
While I’m excited to grill and eat a lot of meals outside, we’re still eating soups every now and then and this hearty soup with fresh tortellini is easily a staple. It cooks up in no time and if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers they’ll last for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
While I’ve shared a creamy tortellini soup before, this isn’t that. This is a simple broth made of simple ingredients to form a delicious soup. This soup is a reason I think it’s always good to have fresh baby spinach and mild Italian sausage on hand. Within a couple of minutes you can have a flavorful vegetable broth and one pot dinner on nights when cooking needs to happen quickly.
Other Ingredients to Try
This is a soup outside of soup season. It’s one you can make year round and play with the seasonal ingredients and also mix up to help any picky eaters. In summer I’d add zucchini and green beans. If my husband just wanted this, I’d opt for hot Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage.
I tend to add more protein where I can, and this soup is a great place to add cannelini, navy, or any white bean. Kidney beans would work well here too. I’d likely get inspired at the grocery store no matter the season and could see adding green beans to this soup as well.
While simple canned diced tomatoes are what I have on hand and use, you could try a fire-roasted diced tomato or some of the cans which offer other flavorings as well. Pretty much any fresh veggies can be added to homemade soups, especially this one.
One and Done
I really love one pot meals and this is no exception. When I can have protein, carbs, and veggies all in one meal it’s a form of home-cooked foods win. If I had time I may try to make some garlic bread, but if that didn’t happen I love the heartiness the fresh tortellini pasta brings. What pure comfort food!
This soup is best the day it is made and then as a leftover sausage tortellini soup for lunch the following day. If the pasta soaks up too much of the broth you’ll want to add some more vegetable broth when you reheat everything, that or water will do!
Simple Cooking
This is one of those dinners where you barely feel like you’re cooking. You’ll want to start with a large dutch oven and brown your sausage. Once the savory sausage is browned, you’ll add in the onion and pepper and seasoning. I love how already you’ll be able to tell there will be a lot of flavor with this simple fresh cheese tortellini soup.
I like to let everything cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, before adding in the tomatoes and broth. The fresh spinach and fresh tortellini won’t be added until the very end as they cook up quickly!
In those cold winter months, and cool spring month, this is a delicious soup.
Freezer Option?
Obviously this soup won’t freeze well with the tortellini and I would say it’s best eaten in the first two days. If stocking your freezer brings you as much joy as it brings me, I’d recommend making the broth through the spinach and then letting everything cool to room temperature. Once cool you could absolutely freeze the delicious soup without the pasta, knowing on busy nights all you need to do is heat and add in your fresh tortellini.
Gifting Soup
What a perfect gift to a new Mom this would be! You could gift the pre-made soup base, some fresh tortellini, a salad, some bread and dessert if you’re up for it. I’d add some of this granola too for when she wants a snack! Leftover tortellini soup will hit the spot on a busy day for her and make for the perfect lunch.
Here’s the original recipe and list of ingredients. I can’t wait to use this as a base in the weeks ahead and once summer hits I plan to add zucchini and garden cherry tomatoes to my soups too! A little fresh parmesan on top, several cracks of black pepper, and I’ve got myself a perfect lunch or dinner too!
Anytime Easy Tortellini, Sausage, and Spinach Soup
Ingredients
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 5 sweet Italian sausages casings removed
- 20 oz. package frozen tortellini
- 1 T Italian seasoning
- 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 14 cups or 3.5 quarts of chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Remove the casing from the sausages and then in small pieces break up the sausage and saute so that you’ll have good sized bites.
- Add the onion and pepper and saute until soft, about 5-7 minutes
- Once the sausage is cooked add in your seasoning, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- At this point toss in the tortellini and cook according to package directions.
- Just before you're ready to eat throw in your spinach and allow it to wilt while you stir things around.
- To serve you may enjoy topping with grated parmesan cheese, though it's not necessary!
Serve in bowls with parmesan cheese on top if you’d like, or simply on it’s own. This was loved by all and something that will definitely be making another appearance at our table in the coming weeks!
