Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
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- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage – casings removed (~5.5 medium italian sausages)
- 1 1/2 cups onion – finely chopped (~2 medium onions)
- 1 cup carrot – finely chopped (~2.5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup celery – finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 14 1/2 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 piece Parmesan rind
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh (refrigerated)
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
- Parmigiano Reggiano – finely grated (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the onion, carrot, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly, 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the bay leaf, dried oregano, Parmesan rind, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a lively simmer, and cook uncovered until flavors meld, 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheese tortellini and simmer until they float and are just tender, 4–6 minutes (check package for timing).
7. Add the baby spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, 1–2 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind.
8. Off the heat, season with the black pepper and adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into warm bowls and top with Parmigiano Reggiano for serving.
Tortellini soup marries pillowy cheese-filled pasta with a savory, aromatic broth for a comforting bowl that eats like a meal. In this version, a tomato-enriched chicken broth carries the sweetness of sautéed aromatics and the depth of sausage and Parmesan, balanced by tender greens and a final shower of aged cheese. The result is a satisfying, spoonable dish with layers of flavor and a pleasing contrast of textures.
While tortellini in brodo is a revered preparation from Emilia-Romagna in Italy—traditionally small meat-filled tortellini served in clear capon or beef broth—Italian-American kitchens popularized a heartier tomato-based soup featuring tortellini, sausage, and spinach. This adaptation reflects pantry realities and tastes in the United States while preserving the spirit of pasta served in a flavorful broth. Over time it has become a cold-weather staple, bridging old-world technique with new-world comfort.