Recipe | Tortellini Soup

                                                                       Tortellini Soup

Who doesn't love a homemade soup full of yummy ingredients during the month of January?  Tortellini soup hits the spot on a cold winter's day.  I love the fresh Italian sausage from our local Italian fruit market.  I also buy imported dried pasta, canned tomatoes, olive oil, jarred artichoke hearts and balsamic vinegar---all from Italy.  The quality of the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the Italian market is top notch.  Something that is important to me year round---- especially during the winter months.  This recipe is quick, and easy enough to make on a week night.  Serve with some fresh Italian bread---and your family will feel warm, satisfied and loved.  

Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

1  pound mild Italian sausage

1  medium onion, chopped

2  cloves garlic, minced 

1  teaspoon dried basil

1  teaspoon dried oregano

1  teaspoon dried parsley

1/2  teaspoon dried thyme 

1  pinch red pepper flakes

4-6  cups low sodium chicken broth

1 1/2  Tablespoons tomato paste

1  15  ounce can diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes

10  ounces frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions

2-3  hand full of fresh spinach, optional

Fresh grated parmesan cheese

Method:

In a Dutch oven or large pot simmer onions and sausage---- until sausage is browned.  

Add minced garlic.  Simmer until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

Add dried herbs, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, tomato paste, canned tomatoes.

Bring to boil, lower heat to simmer, then add pre-cooked tortellini---stirring occasionally for ten minutes.

Reduce heat, add spinach and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Serve in soup bowl with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and Italian bread.

Enjoy!