Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage or chicken/turkey sausage
- 1 package (about 20 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Ingredients to Pot:
- To the pot with the browned sausage, add the frozen cheese tortellini, chopped fresh spinach, drained Italian-style diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese.
- Pour in Chicken Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that all ingredients are well-submerged.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is cooked through, and the flavors meld together.
- Check Tortellini:
- Keep an eye on the tortellini; it may cook faster than the other ingredients. Check for doneness about 10-15 minutes into the simmering. The tortellini is done when it’s tender but still slightly firm.
- Chunk Up Cream Cheese:
- Use a spoon or spatula to chunk up the cream cheese into the soup, stirring until it’s fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season to Taste:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the creamy tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy a quick and hearty meal with the comforting flavors of creamy tortellini, savory sausage, and vibrant spinach.
Optional Tips:
- Add a dash of Italian seasoning or dried basil for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth.
- Customize with your favorite veggies like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
This quick and easy Creamy Tortellini Soup is perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!