Creamy Tortellini Toscana Soup

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Tuscany without leaving your kitchen. Close your eyes and imagine the rolling hills, charming villages, and the warm, inviting aroma of Tuscan cuisine. Now, open your eyes and meet the star of the show, Sausage and Tortellini Toscana Soup. This delectable soup is a warm embrace on a chilly day, featuring creamy broth, savory sausage, tender spinach, and cheesy tortellini. If you’re ready for a taste of Tuscany right at home, let’s dive into this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Sausage and Tortellini Toscana Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage (10 minutes)

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the Italian sausage, removed from its casing. You can choose mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
2. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Saute until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics (5 minutes)

1. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot with the cooked sausage. Saute this aromatic blend until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Broth and Cream (5 minutes)

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and create a luscious, creamy base for the soup.

Step 4: Season and Simmer (5 minutes)

1. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. These seasonings are the secret to capturing the Tuscan flavor.
2. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the creaminess to develop.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini (10 minutes)

1. Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. These delightful pasta pockets will soak up all the savory goodness in the broth.
2. The cooking time for tortellini can vary based on whether you’re using fresh or frozen. Typically, fresh tortellini takes about 3-4 minutes to cook, while frozen tortellini may require 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Tomatoes (5 minutes)

1. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. As it wilts and becomes tender, it infuses the soup with vibrant color and a fresh, earthy flavor.
2. Finally, add the diced tomatoes, bringing a burst of tomato goodness to the pot. Let it all simmer for about 2-3 minutes until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 7: Serve and Savor (Immediate Gratification!)

1. Ladle this creamy, savory Sausage and Tortellini Toscana Soup into bowls. Each spoonful is a comforting embrace of Tuscan flavors, with the richness of cream, the heartiness of sausage, and the cheesy goodness of tortellini.
2. For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. The cheese adds a touch of saltiness and richness, while the basil lends a refreshing aroma to every bite.
3. Enjoy this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece as a comforting dinner or a heartwarming lunch. Paired with a crusty baguette or a simple side salad, it’s a satisfying and complete meal.

Conclusion: Tuscan Delight at Home

Sausage and Tortellini Toscana Soup is a warm, creamy hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to travel to Tuscany to experience its culinary magic. With this recipe, you can bring the heart of Italy right to your dining table.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting winter meal or a delightful family dinner, this soup is a go-to choice. It combines the richness of cream, the robust flavor of sausage, and the cheesy charm of tortellini in a way that’ll make you crave it again and again. Buon appetito!