Karen’s Tortellini Soup Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 | Calories: 275.2 per serving
Description:
This delicious tortellini soup is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a hit with the entire family. The recipe was originally discovered on AllRecipes.com and has since been tailored to suit my family’s preferences. Even my daughter, one of the pickiest eaters I know, enjoys this dish—though she’s mastered the art of avoiding chunks of vegetables in her bowl! The soup is ideal when served hot, but if you prefer a milder version, simply opt for sweet sausage and omit the dried chilies. For the best texture, try using mini tortellini when available.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hot Italian sausage | 1 link (about 1 lb) |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Beef broth | 5 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Carrot (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Zucchini (diced) | 3/4 cup |
| Green pepper (diced) | 1 small |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275.2 |
| Total Fat | 14.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1105.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22.6 g |
| Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugar | 5.9 g |
| Protein | 14.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sausage:
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casing. In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the sausage drippings in the pot. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Using the reserved sausage drippings, sauté the diced onion in the same pot until it becomes tender and translucent. This will infuse the oil with flavor, adding richness to the base of the soup. After the onion is tender, add the beef broth, water, sliced carrots, canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), dried basil, dried oregano, and chili peppers (if using). Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. -
Add the Zucchini and Peppers:
After the initial simmering, add the diced zucchini, green peppers, dried parsley, minced garlic, and tortellini to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30-45 minutes, or until the tortellini is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Serve and Garnish:
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This adds a creamy, savory touch to the soup, making it even more irresistible.
Tips & Variations:
- Make It Milder: If you prefer a less spicy version, use sweet sausage instead of hot Italian sausage and skip the dried chilies.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or kale, for extra nutrition. Just add them toward the end of the cooking process so they don’t overcook.
- Tortellini: For the best texture, mini tortellini work wonders in this soup, but any variety of tortellini can be used.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months, though the tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating.
Karen’s Tortellini Soup is not just a meal—it’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. With its balanced flavors and customizable options, it’s bound to become a family favorite on your menu.
