Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the hot Italian pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for 6–8 minutes until browned and it reaches 160°F.
- Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach and cook gently for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through; do not let it boil.
Notes
For the best texture, add the tortellini near the end so it stays tender. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days and reheat gently; freezing is not recommended because the cream and tortellini may change texture. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free tortellini and an unsweetened plant-based cream.
