Warm up with a comforting bowl of this delicious Italian Tortellini Soup! It’s a flavorful and quick meal, perfect for any busy weeknight. #ProgressoEats
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Progresso™. All opinions and the content are my own.
Hearty & Quick Italian Tortellini Soup: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
As we navigate through the year, many of us strive to maintain healthier habits, especially when it comes to diet and meal planning. While some days are easier than others to stick to our goals, finding delicious and wholesome meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen can be a game-changer. Here at Love Bakes Good Cakes, we’re always looking for family-friendly recipes that combine great taste with convenience, helping us make better dietary choices without sacrificing flavor or quality. This Italian Tortellini Soup is a prime example, offering a satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with a balanced lifestyle.
One of the biggest hurdles to healthy eating is often the time commitment involved in preparation. From selecting leaner meats to incorporating a rainbow of vegetables and limiting processed ingredients, intentional meal planning can feel like a full-time job. This is where high-quality kitchen staples become invaluable. Progresso™ makes it simple to stay on track with a wide variety of delicious soups for quick lunches, or their convenient Cooking Stocks, which serve as an excellent foundation for your own culinary creations. While their ready-to-serve options are fantastic for a quick midday bite, I often prefer to craft a homemade soup for dinner, leveraging Progresso™ Cooking Stock to build deep, rich flavors effortlessly.
Crafting the Perfect Italian Tortellini Soup
Soup is a beloved dish in our home, enjoyed year-round for its comforting qualities. There’s something inherently cozy about a warm bowl of soup, regardless of the season. A key focus for us has been to incorporate more vegetables into our family’s diet. I’ll admit, getting the kids to enthusiastically embrace greens like kale can sometimes be a challenge. They might eat it, but often with a hint of protest! However, this Italian Tortellini Soup is a rare exception where kale is not just tolerated, but genuinely enjoyed.
The secret to winning over even the pickiest eaters often lies in the depth of flavor. In this recipe, Progresso™ Chicken Cooking Stock plays a crucial role. It delivers a rich, savory base that tastes remarkably like homemade stock, but without the extensive simmering time. Many believe that soup needs to stew all day to fully develop its flavors, but with Progresso™ Cooking Stock, you can achieve that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. This means a quick and satisfying meal can be on your table in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when time is precious.
Beyond its speed, this soup is incredibly versatile. The combination of savory Italian sausage, robust kale, and tender cheese tortellini creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The Italian seasoning ties all these elements together with a classic aromatic profile. When browning the sausage, onions, and garlic, you’re building the foundational layers of flavor that will permeate the entire soup. Don’t rush this step; allowing the sausage to brown nicely and the vegetables to soften will enhance the overall depth.
Kale, with its slightly bitter edge and hearty texture, stands up well to simmering without becoming overly mushy. Its nutritional benefits, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, are an added bonus, contributing to the wholesome nature of this dish. The cheese tortellini, on the other hand, adds a delightful creaminess and a burst of cheesy goodness with every bite, making the soup feel indulgent yet balanced. It’s truly a complete meal in a bowl, requiring little else to satisfy. However, for those who love a bit of extra indulgence, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving elevates the experience even further, adding a salty, umami finish.
The Progresso™ Advantage: Elevating Your Home Cooking
Progresso™ Cooking Stocks are a kitchen hero for home cooks who appreciate efficiency without compromising on taste. They are crafted with real ingredients, offering a robust flavor profile that mimics slow-simmered homemade stocks. This quality allows you to create complex and flavorful dishes much faster, freeing up valuable time while still delivering a meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight soup, a savory risotto, or a hearty stew, having a reliable cooking stock on hand is essential.
The versatility of Progresso™ products extends beyond just soups. Their broths and stocks can be used as a base for sauces, to deglaze pans, to cook grains like rice or quinoa, or even to add moisture and flavor to casseroles and marinades. They provide a convenient shortcut to deliciousness, empowering you to experiment in the kitchen and create a vast array of dishes with confidence. By choosing Progresso™, you’re selecting a product that supports your efforts to cook healthy, flavorful meals for your family, even on the busiest of days.
Recipe Tips and Creative Variations
To ensure your Italian Tortellini Soup is always a success, here are a few tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly, typically in 3-5 minutes. Add it towards the end to keep it tender and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. For a milder soup, opt for sweet or mild Italian sausage.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables. Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor. A can of diced tomatoes (undrained) can also add a nice acidity and color.
- Creamy Twist: For an even richer, creamier soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the very end, just before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a beautiful aroma and brightens the flavors.
This Italian Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of simplicity and robust flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, offering comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. Whether you’re fighting off a winter chill or simply craving a hearty and wholesome dish, this soup is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
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8
servings
Italian Tortellini Soup
Jamie Sherman
10
mins
20
mins
30
mins
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed (if applicable)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 cups packed chopped kale, thick stems removed
- 8 cups Progresso™ Chicken Cooking Stock, 2 cartons
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini, 20 oz.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown and crumble the Italian sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the Italian seasoning and the packed chopped kale. Pour in the Progresso™ Chicken Cooking Stock. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the soup. Reduce heat slightly and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or according to package directions, until the tortellini is tender.
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Ladle individual portions into bowls. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra comforting meal, serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that tortellini may absorb more broth over time.
Nutrition
Calories: 517kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 42g
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Protein: 26g
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Fat: 27g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 77mg
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Sodium: 1074mg
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Potassium: 479mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 7g
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Vitamin A: 1585IU
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Vitamin C: 18mg
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Calcium: 167mg
,
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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