Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Here’s a comforting recipe for Tuscan Tortellini Soup—perfect for cozy evenings! It’s a creamy, flavorful soup with a hearty mix of vegetables, sausage, and cheese-filled tortellini.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, if you prefer)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage and set aside.

2. Sauté the onions and garlic:

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

3. Add the broth and seasonings:

   • Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the cream and tortellini:

   • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

   • Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions (usually around 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini).

5. Add spinach:

   • Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

6. Finish and garnish:

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary (more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes).

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Tips:

• Substitute sausage: If you’re not into sausage, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even bacon for a different flavor.

• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based sausage and swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy option.

• Extra veggies: Throw in some carrots, celery, or zucchini to make it even heartier.