Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup, a delightful blend of savory ingredients and comforting textures. This dish features tender tortellini, a rich broth, and vibrant baby spinach. With the added goodness of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and a creamy finish, this soup is the perfect meal for cozy nights in or for sharing with loved ones. Whether you are hosting a dinner or simply treating yourself to a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to warm you from the inside out, enveloping your senses in every bite.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage, hot, sweet, or mild (depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional for a richer, creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 10 ounces small frozen cheese tortellini (or fresh)
- 1 cup chopped onion
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, ensuring it’s cooked through. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the rendered oil in the pot, and discard the excess.
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot, stirring until softened and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to taste, allowing the herbs to bloom in the heat.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
Once the sausage and aromatics are cooked, add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits from the sausage. This step helps incorporate all the flavorful bits stuck to the pot into the soup. Stir the contents until well blended.
Press the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot to stop the sauté function.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the two cans of diced tomatoes (with juices), the remaining chicken broth, and frozen tortellini into the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. The tomatoes and tortellini will create a flavorful, hearty base for the soup.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Now it’s time to cook the soup. Press the “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer to 1 minute on high pressure. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 3 minutes. After this, manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese
Once the pressure has been released, press the “Sauté” button again to bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely, adding richness and depth to the broth.
Step 6: Optional Creamy Touch
For a creamier, richer soup, add the heavy whipping cream at this stage. Stir the cream into the soup until it’s fully blended and incorporated, making the soup luxuriously smooth and velvety.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy Italian tortellini soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, and additional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy in every bite.
Helpful Tips
- Customizing the Sausage: The Italian sausage in this recipe can be swapped for your favorite variety. Whether you like it hot, sweet, or mild, each type will impart a slightly different flavor to the soup.
- Richness of the Soup: Adding the heavy whipping cream is optional, but it does make the soup richer and creamier. If you’re looking for a lighter version, feel free to skip it.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove, adding extra broth if needed to thin it out.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use a meat-free Italian sausage substitute or simply add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
- Broth Options: For a deeper flavor, consider using beef broth instead of chicken broth, though the taste may vary slightly. You can also opt for homemade broth for a richer, more nuanced soup base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add any cream or fresh spinach right before serving.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used instead of frozen. Just be sure to reduce the pressure cooking time slightly, as fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even kale for added nutrition and texture. If adding heartier vegetables, cook them along with the sausage to allow their flavors to develop.
How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?
To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, ensure that the cooking time is precise. Cooking the tortellini for 1 minute under pressure is typically enough to cook them through without overcooking.
Conclusion
Delight in the warm, comforting embrace of this Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup, where tender tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh spinach come together in a deliciously creamy broth. This soup is an ideal dish for a cozy dinner or a gathering with loved ones, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or preparing it in advance, this soup is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Buon appetito!