Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Vegetables

Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little oil if needed, and sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. If using, add the zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Season: Return the sausage to the pot along with the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add Tortellini and Cream: Add the tortellini and cream to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
6. Finish with Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

This soup is rich and filling, perfect for colder weather or a comforting meal at any time. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy making this delightful soup, and feel free to adjust the vegetables according to what you have on hand or prefer!