Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Delight
Indulge in this Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Delight, a wholesome and comforting soup that warms both the body and the soul. Featuring lean Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and tender tortellini, this dish is a complete meal in a bowl. The addition of red wine adds depth and richness, while fresh basil brings a fragrant aroma that elevates each spoonful. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this satisfying soup is flexible enough for you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary requirements. Enjoy garnished with a sprinkle of freshly shaved parmesan for an extra touch of Italian flair. Ideal for chilly days, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire!
4
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
Large onion
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Red wine
3/4 cup
Beef stock
3 cups
Carrots
2 (peeled and finely diced)
Zucchini
2 (finely diced)
Fresh basil leaves
10 (finely chopped)
Canned chopped tomatoes
2 cups
Fresh tortellini
10 ounces (I prefer four cheese for this dish)
Freshly shaved parmesan cheese
to taste (optional topping)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat over medium heat and add the lean Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. If using very lean sausage, consider adding a small amount of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Stir in the diced onion and crushed garlic, sautéing for an additional 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3
Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, letting the wine incorporate and enhance the flavors of the sausage.
4
Add the beef stock, diced carrots, zucchini, chopped basil, and canned tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer, loosely covered, for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
After 30 minutes, gently stir in the tortellini and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender but not overcooked.
6
Remove the soup from heat and serve warm, topped with freshly shaved parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Sausage and Tortellini Delight?
It is a wholesome and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring lean sausage, vibrant vegetables, and tender cheese tortellini.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include lean Italian sausage, onion, garlic, red wine, beef stock, carrots, zucchini, fresh basil, canned tomatoes, and fresh tortellini.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What kind of tortellini is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 10 ounces of fresh four-cheese tortellini.
Can I substitute the red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20g of protein.
How long does it take to brown the sausage?
It takes about 5 minutes to brown the sausage over medium heat.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
The onion should be diced, the garlic crushed, and the carrots and zucchini should be finely diced.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the tortellini.
When do I add the tortellini to the soup?
Add the tortellini after the soup has simmered for 30 minutes.
How long do I cook the tortellini in the soup?
Cook the tortellini for an additional 2 to 5 minutes until tender.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup is best served with a sprinkle of freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this satisfying soup is flexible and holds up well for meal prep.
What can I do if the sausage is too lean and sticks to the pan?
You can use a small amount of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How much beef stock is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of beef stock.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of canned chopped tomatoes.
Is this soup considered a complete meal?
Yes, because it contains protein, vegetables, and pasta, it is a complete meal in a bowl.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for its fragrant aroma, you can use dried basil in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 17.5g of fat per serving.
What flavor profile does the red wine provide?
The red wine adds depth and richness to the soup's base.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include soup, Italian, sausage, tortellini, one-dish meal, comfort food, hearty, and family-friendly.
Should the zucchini be peeled?
The recipe does not require peeling the zucchini, just finely dicing it.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly compared to fresh tortellini.
How much fresh basil should I use?
Use 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped.
Is this dish suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as ideal for chilly days and warming for the body and soul.
What size should the carrots be?
The carrots should be peeled and finely diced to ensure they cook through during the simmer.
What kind of pan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended for preparing this soup.