Description
Ina Garten’s hearty tortellini soup delivers comfort and warmth from Italian culinary traditions. Creamy broth, cheese-filled pasta, and fresh herbs combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Liquid and Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, warm the oil over medium heat and crumble the sausage, cooking for 4 minutes until golden brown and fragmented. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
- Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and aromatic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Dust flour into the mixture, whisking continuously for 60 seconds to create a light, nutty roux that will thicken the soup’s base.
- Pour in tomato sauce and chicken stock, raising temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle boil. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavors.
- Gently drop tortellini into the simmering liquid, covering the pot and cooking for 6 minutes until pasta is tender and fully heated through.
- Incorporate chopped kale, stirring until leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes. Finish by swirling in cream and fresh basil, heating for an additional minute to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Customize Meat Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on personal heat preference or swap with ground turkey for leaner option.
- Control Consistency Adjust liquid amount to create thicker or thinner soup by modifying chicken stock quantity.
- Enhance Nutrition Boost vegetable content by adding extra leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard alongside kale.
- Make Ahead Friendly Prepare soup base in advance and add tortellini and cream just before serving to maintain pasta texture and prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg