Cozy Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground chicken sausage (casing removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken bone broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 10 oz fresh cheese tortellini
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with your spoon until browned and cooked through. 🥣
2. Add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until aromatic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Gently drop in the fresh cheese tortellini. Cook for 3–5 minutes (or per package instructions) until the pasta is tender and floating at the top.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh baby spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the broth is silky. Serve hot! ✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini may absorb some liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Substitutions: If you prefer a leaner profile, ground turkey sausage works excellently as a direct swap for chicken.
• Consistency: For a thicker, heartier soup, increase the amount of cream or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in diced carrots or zucchini during the onion sauté step for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each bowl before serving for a salty, savory kick.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! Just extend the boiling time by 2–3 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this soup gluten-free? As written, it contains wheat-based pasta. To make it gluten-free, use your favorite certified gluten-free tortellini brand.