Description
Hearty tortellini soup from Ina Garten brings Italian comfort to your kitchen with rich chicken broth, cheese-filled pasta, and tender vegetables. Warmth and flavor combine in this simple yet satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken stock
- 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 (9-ounce/255 grams) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Warm extra virgin olive oil in a generously sized stockpot or Dutch oven using medium heat intensity.
- Introduce ground Italian sausage and sauté until achieving a deep golden-brown color, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Methodically crumble the meat while cooking and eliminate excess rendered fat.
- Incorporate finely diced onions, minced garlic, and aromatic Italian seasoning. Sauté while stirring frequently until onions become translucent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
- Dust the mixture with all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for approximately 1 minute until achieving a light caramel-like hue.
- Gradually introduce tomato sauce and low-sodium chicken stock, blending thoroughly. Elevate temperature to create a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer. Occasionally stir and monitor consistency for 10 minutes, observing liquid reduction and slight thickening.
- Gently fold cheese-filled tortellini into the simmering liquid. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches optimal tenderness.
- Add chopped kale, stirring until leaves soften and become vibrant green, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in heavy whipping cream and freshly chopped basil, stirring until heated throughout. Final seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the dish for an intense, nutty burst of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
- Chop herbs like basil or parsley moments before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.
- Choose spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick, or mild version for a more gentle flavor profile.
- Storage tip: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to preserve the tortellini’s texture.
- Select imported Italian tortellini from specialty stores for the most authentic and robust taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg