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To make Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup, you will need a few key ingredients. Here is the main ingredients list: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large carrots, peeled and diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving This list covers all you need. The olive oil adds richness, while the sausage brings flavor. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery make a solid base. Chicken broth and diced tomatoes give the soup body. Dried herbs like thyme and oregano add depth. Cheese tortellini makes the soup hearty. Fresh spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. Finally, the Parmesan cheese enhances the taste of each bowl. - Cooking the sausage Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add one pound of Italian chicken sausage, removing the casings first. Break the sausage up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it browns and is cooked through, about five to seven minutes. - Sautéing the vegetables Next, toss in one medium onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. Add two large carrots, peeled and diced, and two stalks of diced celery. Sauté this mix until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent, around five minutes. - Combining broth and tomatoes Pour in six cups of chicken broth and add one can of diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried oregano. If you like heat, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Bringing to a boil Bring the soup mixture to a boil. This step helps blend all the flavors together. - Adding tortellini Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Now, add one package of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually three to five minutes. - Stirring in greens After the tortellini is tender and floating, stir in two cups of chopped spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt for two to three minutes. - Seasoning to taste Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning if needed for the best flavor. - Serving suggestions Ladle the hot soup into warmed bowls. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, add a few leaves of spinach on top. Serve with slices of rustic bread for dipping. - Choosing the right sausage: Use Italian chicken sausage for its bold flavor. Look for fresh sausage without fillers or preservatives. If you prefer a milder taste, try turkey sausage instead. - Adjusting spice levels: For a kick, add red pepper flakes. If you like less heat, skip them or reduce the amount. Always taste the soup before serving to find your perfect balance. - Ensuring proper tortellini texture: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Overcooking can make them mushy. Aim for al dente for the best bite. - Alternatives for chicken sausage: You can use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage. Each option will change the flavor but still create a tasty soup. - Vegetable swaps: If you don’t have carrots or celery, use zucchini or bell peppers. Feel free to add any seasonal veggies you enjoy. - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free soup, skip the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Coconut milk can add creaminess if desired. {{image_4}} To make your Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup even better, try these ideas: - Adding beans or lentils: Beans or lentils boost nutrition and make the soup heartier. You can add one can of drained beans, like cannellini or kidney beans. If using lentils, add them early to cook through. - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: Seasonal veggies brighten the soup. Think about adding diced butternut squash or sliced zucchini. Both cook well and add sweet flavor. - Flavored oils or vinegars: Drizzling flavored oils, like basil or chili oil, gives a nice touch. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth and tang. Just a little goes a long way. You can also adapt this soup for different diets: - Gluten-free tortellini: If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer delicious alternatives, allowing everyone to enjoy the soup. - Vegan adaptations: To make this soup vegan, swap the chicken sausage for plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. These variations let you customize the soup to your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to explore and make it your own! To keep your soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into airtight containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers. This way, your soup will last for about three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When it comes to reheating, the stove is your best friend. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts and stir in between. To keep the texture right, add a splash of water or broth if it looks thick. This will help bring back the soup’s original creamy feel. Enjoy each bowl just like you made it fresh! How can I make this soup spicier? You can add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Lastly, try adding diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. What can I use instead of tortellini? You can use any small pasta, like shells or ditalini. For a gluten-free option, try brown rice or quinoa. You can also skip the pasta and add beans for protein. Can I make Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup in advance? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors blend well overnight. However, add the tortellini right before serving to keep it tender. How long does the soup last in the fridge? The soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Can I add cream to this soup for a richer flavor? Yes, adding cream makes it rich and smooth. Stir in heavy cream just before serving. You can also use milk or half-and-half for a lighter touch. This blog post covered all you need to know about making Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup. We explored essential ingredients like chicken sausage, tortellini, and fresh greens. The cooking steps guide you through each phase, from sautéing veggies to perfect seasoning. I shared tips to help you master the soup's flavor and texture. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different ingredients or dietary options. This soup is easy to store and reheat, making it a great choice for your week. Enjoy making this warm, hearty dish!

Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup

Warm up your fall evenings with this delicious Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup! Packed with hearty ingredients like Italian chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a bowl of warmth topped with Parmesan for extra flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this seasonal favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, diced

6 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

    To the pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, around 5 minutes.

      Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and the optional red pepper flakes for some kick. Bring the soup to a boil.

        Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and introduce the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, which is typically 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and floating.

          After the tortellini is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt for an additional 2-3 minutes.

            Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Adjust as needed.

              Dish out the hot soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warmed bowls and top each portion with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add a few extra leaves of spinach on top for a vibrant touch. Accompany the soup with slices of rustic bread for dipping, enhancing both the flavor and the overall dining experience.