This is an amazing, hearty soup that will satisfy the entire family. It makes a large pot and can easily feed 6-8 depending on portions. I love recipes like this that are filling but also leave me with leftovers for lunch the next day. I actually think this soup is better the day after as everything settles and blends together.
If you have access to fresh tortellini and sausage, I definitely recommend that you use it. However, I know it's not always possible or within budget, so the second time I made this (pictured) it was done with regular store-bought ingredients (tortellini from Trader Joe's and sausage from Stop & Shop) for a grand total of $20. I think that's a win.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 carton chicken stock
1 container heavy cream
1 package cream cheese, diced
1 tsp dried basil
About 3/4-1 lb small potatoes, diced small
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casing removed)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 package (12-16oz) cheese tortellini of your choice
3 handfuls of fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, optional
Directions:
In a large pot add olive oil and saute onion and garlic on medium heat. Once onion becomes translucent add chicken stock, heavy cream and cream cheese to pot. Turn heat to high and let the cream cheese melt and come to a light simmer. Salt, pepper and basil to taste. Turn heat back down to medium high and add potatoes. While potatoes are cooking, break down the sausage and fry in a medium pan. Once potatoes are cooked (test them by inserting a fork. If the potato easily falls off, then it's done. Important: you don't want the potatoes to break down). Drain sausage and add to pot, stir and let the flavors blend for 1 minute. CHECK THE COOK TIME ON YOUR TORTELLINI. Mine said 5-7 minutes so add your tortellini at this time*. After about 3 minutes add the diced tomatoes and stir. After another 2 minutes add 3 abundant handfuls of spinach. Stir it all together and let the flavors blend for another minute. Serve warm and top with shaved parmesan if desired.
*If your tortellini says cook time is less than 5 minutes, then after the sausage you should add the diced tomatoes, tortellini, and finally the spinach - time it so everything cooks within 5 minutes or less.
Recipe from CookPad