Italian Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup

Fall is my favorite time of the year, not only because it's Halloween and chilly weather, but also because it's time for all the soups! The best soup gives you a sense of warmth and comfort. This soup is one of the best for a chilly day and is easy to pull together in 30 minutes!

You can make this in the crockpot, if you prefer, just brown the sausage and onions first. Add everything into the crockpot up to the point of the tortellini and cook on low for 5 hours. Add the tortellini about 20 minutes before you are ready to eat and let it finish cooking. Otherwise, if you forget you can quickly make it on the stove.

If you make this, please leave a comment on what you think!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground Italian Sausage

• 1 medium onion finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp dried thyme leaves

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional, I just like the combination)

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (modify this based on your spice level)

• 6 cups beef broth (can substitute vegetable broth)

• 1 small can tomato paste

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes

• 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini (any flavor works)

• 3 cups spinach

• Grated or shaved Parmesan Cheese

• Fresh basil, sliced or torn (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown the Italian Sausage in a Dutch Oven or large pot. When it is almost fully browned add the onion and cook until the sausage is done browning and the onion is translucent. Turn the heat to low, add the garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute (until fragrant) stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper to your preference.

2. Add the tomato paste into the sausage and mix, cooking until a slight brownish-red color (about 2 minutes). Add in the beef broth and fire roasted tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium and bring it to a low boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

3. Add the cheese tortellini and simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the tortellini are cooked to your desired tenderness. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the spinach. After the spinach has wilted, dip out the soup into bowls. Sprinkle each bowl with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. If desired, garnish with fresh basil over the Parmesan.

Enjoy!!

#onespiceatathyme #soup #tortellini #fastmeals #quickmeals #foodblogger #foodie #italiandinner