Italian Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 4-6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 (9-20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

• 4-6 cups fresh baby spinach

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired.

2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the base: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let flavors combine.

4. Add liquid: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Cook tortellini: Add tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually 5-9 minutes depending on whether using fresh or frozen.

6. Finish the soup: If using cream, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

7. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

This hearty soup serves 6 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The combination of Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach creates a satisfying meal-in-a-bowl perfect for cold weather.