Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Sausage & Cheese Tortellini Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful meal made with lean turkey sausage, garden-fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini in a savory broth.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of Italian turkey sausage links with the casings removed.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, while turkey sausage is used for a lower-fat option, you can substitute it with traditional pork Italian sausage.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup contains onions, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green peppers.
Is this soup considered low-fat?
Yes, it is a lower-fat version of traditional sausage soup, containing only 8g of fat per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 197 calories.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup is high in protein, offering 21g per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of broth should I use?
The recipe recommends 6 1/2 cups of reduced-sodium beef broth.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and include the liquid (undrained).
How do I prepare the sausage and aromatics?
Brown the turkey sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large pot until the meat is no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot before adding other ingredients.
How long should the soup simmer initially?
After adding the broth, tomatoes, carrots, and celery, simmer the soup for 20 minutes.
When do I add the zucchini and green peppers?
Add the zucchini and green peppers after the initial 20-minute simmer, then cook for 5 more minutes.
What kind of tortellini is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of frozen cheese tortellini.
How long does it take to cook the tortellini?
The frozen tortellini should be simmered in the soup for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Are there any optional ingredients for this soup?
Yes, you can optionally add 1/2 cup of peas or green beans for extra nutrition.
What gives the soup its Italian flavor?
The flavor comes from Italian turkey sausage, Italian seasoning, and fresh Italian parsley.
Why does the recipe include ketchup?
One cup of ketchup is added to the broth to provide a hint of sweetness and depth to the savory base.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for two minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of minced fresh Italian parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple browning and simmering steps.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great meal for busy weeknights and can be reheated easily.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 14 ingredients.
How do I season the soup?
Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Is this soup a full meal?
Yes, it is described as a fulfilling dish that nourishes both body and spirit, acting as a complete meal.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include soup, Italian, tortellini, minestrone, hearty, vegetable, and comfort food.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, but keep in mind that fresh tortellini usually cooks faster than frozen, so adjust the time accordingly.
How should I serve the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls while hot and enjoy its wholesome flavors.
What size should the vegetables be cut?
The carrots, celery, and zucchini should be thinly sliced, and the onion and green pepper should be chopped.