Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Use your dutch oven to slow cook this delicious tortellini soup with sausage. A perfect comfort food recipe that everyone enjoys. This Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile and hearty dish suitable for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm and welcoming experience in every bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have a comforting meal ready in just over an hour.
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and creamy broth creates a deliciously satisfying soup.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of tortellini.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. A dutch oven is the star of this recipe, allowing for even cooking and excellent flavor development.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well and allows for slow cooking, enhancing flavors significantly.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when chopping vegetables, making prep quick and easy.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage:

For the Soup Base

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
2 tbs olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef broth
1 cup water
14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 carrot, shredded

For Seasoning and Creaminess

1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 oz can tomato sauce
8 oz fresh tortellini pasta
1 cup heavy cream

For Garnishing

3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Fresh basil, chopped
Parsley, chopped
Parmesan, grated

How to Make Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

In a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.

Step 2: Drain the Sausage

Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and place it on a paper-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Discard all but 1 tablespoon of sausage drippings from the pan. Using the remaining drippings, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables

Stir in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, dried basil, dried oregano, tomato sauce, and the drained sausage. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to let flavors meld together.

Step 6: Final Touches

After 30 minutes, skim any visible fat from the top. Stir in chopped parsley then cover and let cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Tortellini

Add fresh tortellini and heavy cream to the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes until tortellini is tender.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with additional fresh parsley, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Enjoy your hearty Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage!

How to Serve Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Serving Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage can elevate your dining experience. This comforting soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a delightful meal.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds a savory crunch to each bite.

With a Side Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette add freshness to the meal.

With Toppings

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy flavor boost.
Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

To make this Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
Cook Tortellini Separately: For firmer pasta, cook tortellini in a separate pot and add it before serving.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Pairing side dishes with your Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping!
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted seasonal veggies add nutrition and flavor to your meal.
Cheesy Risotto: Creamy risotto complements the soup’s heartiness while adding richness.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with herb cheese provide an elegant touch to your dinner table.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an appealing appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the sausage can lead to a lack of flavor in your soup. Take the time to brown the sausage well before adding other ingredients.
Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can lower the cooking temperature and result in uneven cooking. Always use room temperature or warm broth for best results.
Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long makes it mushy. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking, ensuring it’s perfectly al dente.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your soup before serving! If it needs more seasoning, add salt or herbs as necessary for a burst of flavor.
Not Letting It Simmer Long Enough: Shortening the simmering time can prevent flavors from fully developing. Let your soup simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.

Reheating Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage:

Can I make Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What type of tortellini works best?

Fresh tortellini is preferred for its texture, but you can also use dried tortellini. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

How can I customize my Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or change up the herbs based on your preference!

How do I store leftover soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or using various types of protein. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!