Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini; ½ bunch kale, chopped; ⅓ cup heavy cream

Why make this recipe

Creamy Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish perfect for any meal. It combines the richness of Italian sausage with the comforting texture of tortellini and fresh kale. This soup is not only easy to make but also brings a feeling of warmth and satisfaction, making it ideal for chilly nights or any time you crave something cozy. The creamy base adds a luxurious touch, ensuring that every spoonful is a delight. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some leafy greens into your meal!

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How to make Creamy Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken stock
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
½ bunch kale, chopped
⅓ cup heavy cream

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute until lightly browned.
Add chicken stock and tomato sauce and bring to a boil.
Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
Add kale and cook until it is wilted.
Stir in heavy cream and basil. Adjust seasoning if needed.

How to serve Creamy Tortellini Soup

Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup hot in bowls. You can garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out your meal.

How to store Creamy Tortellini Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container as it may expand during freezing.

Tips to make Creamy Tortellini Soup

For a spicy kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage.
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt level in the soup.

Variation

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time until they are cooked through.

2. How can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any non-dairy cream alternative.

3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.