Description
This Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh tortellini pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based broth enriched with cream. Slow-cooked in a dutch oven, this soup combines tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich Parmesan for a perfect family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbs olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz fresh tortellini pasta
- Parmesan, grated (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the base: Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the sausage drippings from the pan. Using the remaining drippings, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, shredded carrot, dried basil, dried oregano, tomato sauce, and the browned sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to blend flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- Skim and add parsley: After 30 minutes, skim any visible fat from the surface of the soup. Add the chopped fresh parsley, cover the dutch oven, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cream: Stir in the fresh tortellini pasta and heavy cream. Continue cooking the soup for another 10 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through and the soup is heated to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a dutch oven for slow cooking to develop rich flavors and tender ingredients.
- Skimming the fat after the initial simmer reduces greasiness while maintaining flavor.
- Fresh tortellini cooks quickly; adding it at the end prevents overcooking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for added freshness and aroma.
- This soup is perfect for cooler weather or as a hearty family dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1667 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
