Tuscan Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients like spicy Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and crushed tomatoes, this soup is both filling and flavorful. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something warm and comforting in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini

• ⅓ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 1 cup croutons

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, crumbling it as it browns, for about 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Vegetables:
   Stir in garlic and onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Make the Soup Base:
   Whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

4. Cook the Tortellini:
   Stir in the tortellini, reduce the heat, and simmer until the tortellini is cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

5. Finish the Soup:
   Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with croutons.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving

• Fat: 20-25g

  • Saturated Fat: 10-12g

• Cholesterol: 50-70mg

• Sodium: 800-1,000mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g

  • Sugars: 5-7g

• Protein: 25-30g

• Vitamin A: 10-15% of the daily value

• Vitamin C: 15-20% of the daily value

• Calcium: 15-20% of the daily value

• Iron: 10-12% of the daily value

Why Choose Tuscan Tortellini Soup?

This soup is a winning combination of flavors and textures. The richness of the creamy broth is balanced by the spiciness of the Italian sausage, and the cheese-filled tortellini adds an indulgent touch. The crushed tomatoes and herbs create a flavorful base, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese lend a smooth, velvety texture that ties everything together. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a bowl of hearty soup that’s perfect for a busy evening or a lazy weekend.

The Role of Spicy Italian Sausage

The spicy Italian sausage is the flavor backbone of this soup. As it cooks, it releases its rich, savory juices, which infuse the broth and bring a deep, flavorful base to the soup. The sausage adds a bit of heat, making each spoonful a little more exciting. It’s a great way to add complexity without needing to spend hours building flavor, making it an essential component of this soup. If you prefer a milder version, you can easily swap out the spicy sausage for a mild Italian sausage or chicken sausage, depending on your preference.

The Vegetables: Garlic and Onion

Garlic and onion are essential in creating the depth of flavor in this soup. As they sauté in the olive oil, they develop a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage and the acidity of the tomatoes. The garlic provides a fragrant, aromatic backdrop to the soup, while the onion adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish. These vegetables lay the foundation for the soup, adding complexity and enhancing the overall taste of the broth.

The Perfect Soup Base

The base of this Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a combination of chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and a few key herbs: basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. The chicken stock gives the soup its savory depth, while the crushed tomatoes provide the tangy richness that gives the soup its body. The dried basil and oregano bring in that familiar Italian flavor, while the crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. A bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor, creating a perfectly balanced broth that serves as the perfect backdrop for the tortellini and sausage.

The Tortellini: Cheese-Filled Goodness

The cheese-filled tortellini is a key ingredient in this soup. The tender, pillowy pasta is stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, which melts into the broth as it cooks. The tortellini provides both texture and flavor, adding a satisfying bite and a richness that complements the creamy soup base. It’s the perfect addition to make the soup hearty and filling without being overly heavy. Plus, tortellini cooks quickly, which helps to keep the entire dish fast and easy to prepare.

The Creamy Finish

To finish the soup, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are added, creating a rich and velvety texture that makes every bite feel indulgent. The heavy cream adds smoothness to the broth, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami flavor that elevates the entire dish. Stirring these ingredients in at the end ensures they blend seamlessly into the soup, resulting in a creamy, comforting bowl that’s perfect for colder weather or when you need a little extra warmth and satisfaction.

Croutons for Crunch

A handful of croutons on top adds a delightful crunch and texture to the soup, making each spoonful even more enjoyable. The croutons soak up some of the delicious broth, adding a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy, tender tortellini. You can make your own croutons by toasting slices of bread with a little olive oil and seasoning, or you can use store-bought croutons for convenience.

Serving and Customizing

Tuscan Tortellini Soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your preferences. For a more robust flavor, feel free to add extra spices like red pepper flakes for more heat or even some fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, for a fragrant finish. If you’d like a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of stock or add a bit more tortellini. If you’re looking for an even heartier meal, you can add some chopped spinach, kale, or other greens to increase the vegetable content and add a pop of color.

This soup is perfect when paired with a simple side salad, a piece of crusty bread, or a light green vegetable to balance out the richness. It can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal or served as part of a larger spread for a family dinner.

Nutritional Benefits

Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a comforting dish that still offers several nutritional benefits. The sausage provides protein, while the tortellini adds carbohydrates and fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The addition of onions, garlic, and tomatoes ensures that you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese provide calcium and healthy fats, giving the soup a rich, indulgent texture while offering some nutritional value.

However, it’s important to note that this soup is relatively high in fat and sodium, especially due to the sausage and Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream for a lower-fat option or use reduced-fat cheese. You can also reduce the sodium by using low-sodium chicken stock and adjusting the amount of seasoning to your preference.

Conclusion

Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a quick, easy, and delicious comfort food that combines all the flavors you love in a rich, creamy bowl. The spicy sausage, tender tortellini, and flavorful broth come together in perfect harmony, making this soup the ultimate meal for a busy weeknight or any time you’re craving something satisfying and indulgent. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.