EASY AUTUMN TORTELLINI SOUP WITH SAUSAGE

Imagine the crisp autumn air, the vibrant colors of falling leaves, and the comforting aroma of a hearty soup simmering on the stove – that’s Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage in a nutshell, promising warmth and deliciousness in every single bite! I promise, it’s easier to make than you think and will become a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Let’s Make Some Magic: Getting Started

Alright, friend, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk prep. Having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother and less stressful. It’s like having your kitchen squad assembled and ready for action! Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sausage & Veggies:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Building the Broth:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.

Tortellini Time:

1. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender.

Creamy Finish:

1. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through, but do not boil.

Serve & Enjoy:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth of Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Tortellini Soup Success

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go *exactly* as planned in the kitchen. That’s totally normal! Here are a few common hiccups you might encounter and how to handle them like a pro:

• Sausage Woes: If your sausage is sticking to the bottom of the pot, make sure your heat isn’t too high and add a little extra olive oil. Also, using a non-stick pot can be a lifesaver!
• Tortellini Troubles: Nobody likes mushy tortellini! Don’t overcook them. Add them towards the end of the cooking process and follow the package directions closely. If you’re worried, undercook them slightly; they’ll continue to cook in the hot broth.
• Bland Soup Blues: Did your soup turn out a little…underwhelming? Don’t panic! A pinch more salt and pepper can work wonders. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Thin Soup Scare: If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cannellini beans or whisk a tablespoon of flour with a little cold water to create a slurry and add it to the soup.

Making it Your Own: Delicious Variations

The beauty of soup is that it’s so adaptable! Feel free to experiment and make this Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage truly your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Veggie Power: Add more vegetables! Spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
• Protein Boost: Swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo. You could also add some cooked bacon crumbles for a smoky flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet.
• Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a little bit of mozzarella would all be tasty additions.
• Herby Heaven: Use fresh herbs! In addition to parsley, try adding some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Consider exploring other tortellini-based dishes, like Chicken Tortellini, for more inspiration.
• For another twist, consider a lighter Chicken Tortellini Soup.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Comfort

This Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread, like sourdough or baguette, is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combination! A grilled cheese sandwich adds cheesy comfort to your soup experience.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Because who can resist garlic bread?
• The flavors in this soup are similar to the wonderful Gnocchi Sausage Soup.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This soup is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld and deepen over time.

• Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this soup, I don’t recommend it if you’ve already added the tortellini. The tortellini can become mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze the soup, freeze it *before* adding the tortellini. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, bring it to a simmer, and then add the tortellini.
• If you’re looking for more ideas, Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is an easy way to use your favorite ingredients.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

This Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, sparks conversations, and creates lasting memories. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a cozy weekend gathering. I especially love that it’s customizable to your tastes. Don’t forget to explore other creamy soup options such as Marry Me Chicken Soup. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good soup on a chilly autumn day? The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and flavorful broth is simply irresistible. I guarantee this will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. You could also try Chicken Mushroom Soup for another comforting choice.

Final Thoughts: Soup’s On!

So, there you have it! Everything you need to create your own batch of comforting Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend, and may your autumn be filled with warmth, deliciousness, and plenty of cozy soup nights!