Rustic Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Warm up with this hearty Rustic Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a comforting blend of savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This recipe brings the rich flavors of Italy to your kitchen, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy a bowl of this soup on a chilly evening, paired with crusty bread for a delightful meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. It's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a delicious choice for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed, crumbled)
Chopped onion
1 cup (none)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Beef broth
5 cups (none)
Chopped tomatoes
2 cups (none)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Zucchini
1 large (chopped or sliced)
Carrot
1 large (sliced)
Green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Dry red wine
1/2 cup (none)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Cheese tortellini
10 ounces (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the crumbled Italian sausage over medium heat. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once cooked, use paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving only about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Return the cooked sausage to the saucepan. Then add in the beef broth, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, sliced carrot, chopped bell pepper, dry red wine, dried basil, and dried oregano.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 40-60 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6
Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 3-5 minutes.
7
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
8
Serve hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
It is a hearty, comforting soup made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, various fresh vegetables, and a savory beef and tomato broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Italian sausage with casings removed and crumbled. You can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, zucchini, sliced carrot, and green bell pepper.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be browned and cooked through in a large saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Should I drain the grease from the sausage?
Yes, you should use paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving only about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan for flavor.
What kind of broth is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 cups of beef broth as the base for the soup.
Can I substitute the red wine?
If you prefer not to use 1/2 cup of dry red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
How long should the soup simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 40-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
When do I add the cheese tortellini?
Stir in the cheese tortellini after the soup has finished simmering and cook for 3-5 minutes according to the package instructions.
What herbs provide the flavor in this soup?
The soup is flavored with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this soup suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare, making it perfect for families.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup is best served hot with a garnish of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a plant-based sausage alternative and vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini can be used; just ensure you cook it until tender according to the package directions.
How much tortellini is required?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of cheese tortellini.
What should I serve with Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
It is delicious when paired with crusty bread for dipping and a fresh side salad.
How do I prepare the zucchini and carrots?
The zucchini should be chopped or sliced, and the carrot should be sliced into rounds.
Is there tomato sauce in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce in addition to chopped tomatoes.
What size saucepan is needed?
A large saucepan or a Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients and broth.
How many calories are in a serving?
Nutritional information like calories is not specified, but the soup is noted for being packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables.
Can I add other leafy greens?
While not in the original recipe, adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking is a common variation.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it is best to freeze the soup base without the tortellini, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you use; choose 'hot' sausage for spice or 'mild' for a savory flavor.
What type of red wine should I use?
A dry red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best for Italian-style soups.
Does the soup need to be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to let it simmer uncovered for 40-60 minutes.
How do I know when the tortellini is done?
The tortellini is done when it is tender and usually floats to the top of the soup, typically taking 3-5 minutes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh basil and oregano; generally, you use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.