Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Ingredients

• 14 ounces fresh cheese tortellini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 pound mild Italian turkey sausage, no casings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 shallots, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup puréed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

• 1 can diced roasted tomatoes

• 4 cups turkey broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano

• 1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried sage, smoked paprika, black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more for serving

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• salt, to taste

• fresh thyme and basil for topping

Directions

1. Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium. Add bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes.

2. Add sausage and spices, break up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add tomato paste and all tomatoes, cook for 15 minutes.

3. Add tortellini, cook for 2 minutes. Then pour in cream and add cheese. Stir to combine, simmer for 1 minute. 

4. Taste and adjust salt. 

5. Finish off with some extra red pepper flakes, black pepper and fresh thyme and basil. 

Adapted from a Food52 Recipe

Urban Cowgill Maech 2024