Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Introduction to Italian Cuisine and Tortellini

Italian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, has a history deeply rooted in regional traditions and cultural exchanges. Central to this culinary tapestry is tortellini, a staple of Italian pasta. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, these small, ring-shaped pasta pieces are traditionally stuffed with a mix of meats, cheese, or vegetables. Their versatility in soups, broths, and sauces highlights the Italian commitment to simple ingredients with robust flavors. Tortellini not only reflects Italy’s regional diversity but also its culinary ingenuity, making it a beloved component in many Italian dishes.

What Makes the Soup Creamy and Flavorful

Ingredients List

To create the Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, ground
• 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, red pepper flakes for heat, grated Parmesan for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. If using, wash and chop the spinach or kale.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Sauté Vegetables: To the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.
5. Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the pot, cooking according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.
6. Final Touches: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the spinach or kale at this stage and cook until wilted.
7. Consistency Tips: For a thicker soup, let it simmer for a few additional minutes. If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Nutritional Information

The Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish, with a nutritional profile that reflects its rich ingredients. A single serving of the soup approximately contains:

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 15-20 grams, mainly from the Italian sausage and cheese in the tortellini
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams, with a significant portion from the tortellini and vegetables
• Fats: 20-25 grams, largely due to the cream and sausage content
• Fiber: 2-3 grams, provided by the vegetables
• Sodium: Varies based on the broth and sausage used

This soup offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, with a higher fat content typical of creamy dishes.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

• Yes, substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk.

How can I store and reheat the soup?

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if the soup has thickened.

Can I freeze this soup?

• Freezing is not recommended as the cream and tortellini may change texture. However, if needed, freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

How can I make the soup spicier?

• Add red pepper flakes while cooking, or top with hot sauce before serving.

Is this soup suitable for children?

• Yes, it’s generally kid-friendly, but be mindful of the spice level and sausage choice.

Can I use different types of pasta?

• Yes, though tortellini is recommended for its texture and flavor, other stuffed pastas like ravioli can be used.

In conclusion, the Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, embodying the essence of Italian cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. Remember, the key to a great Italian dish lies in the quality of ingredients and the love put into cooking. For more on the health benefits of key ingredients like kale, check out Nutritional Benefits of Kale. Enjoy your culinary journey into the heart of Italy with this delightful soup!

Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup. This hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy broth, accented with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 people

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Italian sausage ground
• 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach or kale red pepper flakes for heat, grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare Ingredients: Dice onions, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. If using, wash and chop spinach or kale.
• Cook Sausage: In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
• Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
• Add Tortellini: Put in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes.
• Add Cream: Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach or kale if using, and cook until wilted.
• Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, simmer for a few more minutes. If too thick, add more broth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
• Pair with crusty bread or a light salad.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
• Adjust the creaminess by varying the amount of heavy cream.
• The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended.
• Enhance the spice level with red pepper flakes if desired.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Keyword Italian Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe