Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Cozy and comforting, Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. This delightful soup combines tender cheese tortellini, vibrant spinach, white beans, and a creamy tomato broth that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is versatile and packed with flavor. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it a standout option for family dinners or chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a rich and delicious flavor profile.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences while still enjoying a fantastic outcome.
• Creamy Comfort: The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a luxurious texture that is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy tortellini and wholesome vegetables, this soup is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create this tasty soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for evenly cooking your ingredients while providing ample space for simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface; it also helps break up sausage easily during cooking.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (chicken or beef)
• 3 cups mirepoix veggies (aka 3 stalks celery, 2 carrots, 1 small onion, all diced small)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3 heaping tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour

Broth and Additions

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
• 1 14.5oz can crushed tomatoes
• 10oz cheese tortellini
• 1 15oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups spinach, chopped

Creaminess Factor

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + more for serving + parmesan rind if you have it!

Toppings

• Fresh basil
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, add a swish of olive oil. When hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate while leaving about 1 tablespoon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the mirepoix veggies to the pot. Toss them to coat well in oil/fat and sauté until mostly softened (about 7 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black pepper, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until combined; cook until fragrant (about 60 seconds). Sprinkle flour over this mixture; toss to combine and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in chicken stock and crushed tomatoes; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes). If using a parmesan rind, add now while simmering. Add cheese tortellini and white beans; simmer until tortellini float to the top and are fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 4: Stir in Cream & Serve

Finally, stir in cooked sausage, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese into the pot. Ladle into bowls and serve hot topped with additional parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper.

Enjoy your delightful bowl of Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Serving Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a delightful experience. This rich and hearty soup pairs perfectly with various sides and toppings, enhancing its flavors and making it a complete meal.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Adds a fresh and aromatic touch that complements the creamy broth.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley provides a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough bread enhances the soup’s richness.
• Garlic Bread: Flavorful and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping.

Consider Cheese Toppings

• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings an added depth to each bowl.
• Mozzarella: Melty mozzarella can be added for an extra creamy texture.

Serve with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a crunchy contrast.
• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with vinaigrette offers freshness to balance the soup’s richness.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup, follow these handy tips for flavor and texture enhancement.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor profile and make your soup taste vibrant.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as you go; feel free to add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
• Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure your tortellini is cooked just right to avoid mushiness. They should float when done!
• Incorporate Broth Gradually: Pour in your chicken broth slowly while stirring, which helps create a smooth consistency.
• Add Spinach Last: Stir in spinach at the end of cooking for optimal color retention and nutrition.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on toppings like cheese and herbs; they enhance both presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Complementing your Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup with side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for mopping up the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar make a refreshing side.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds a tasty crunch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a healthy addition to your meal.
5. Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks stuffed with gooey cheese are always a hit alongside soup.
6. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong type of sausage – Opt for chicken or beef sausage instead of pork for a lighter option. Check the packaging to ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to your soup.
• Neglecting to sauté veggies properly – Sautéing mirepoix vegetables until they are softened enhances the flavor. Take your time and allow them to cook for about 7 minutes.
• Skipping fresh herbs – Fresh thyme adds a depth of flavor that dried herbs cannot replicate. Always use fresh where possible, but if you must substitute, adjust the quantity accordingly.
• Not using low-sodium broth – High-sodium broth can make the soup overly salty. Always choose low-sodium options, allowing you to control the seasoning better.
• Adding tortellini too early – Adding tortellini too soon can lead to mushy pasta. Wait until the soup is simmering before adding them and cook until they float.
• Forgetting about garnishes – Toppings like fresh basil and extra Parmesan enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip these finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop – Gently reheat on medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup:

Can I use different types of tortellini?

Yes! Feel free to use any variety of cheese tortellini or even spinach-filled ones for added flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add more beans or veggies for protein.

What other ingredients can I add?

You can customize your soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano also work well!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully when made a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Its creamy texture combined with savory flavors makes it appealing to everyone. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!