Instructions 

• Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

• Add the garlic and onion to the pot. Stir in optional ingredients like bell pepper or mushrooms, if desired. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

• Prepare the Broth: Whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 cup of water for a thinner broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

• Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until tender and cooked through about 5-6 minutes.

• Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated, about 2-3 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Soup into bowls and garnish with croutons or serve alongside warm sourdough bread for a hearty finish.

Properly Store Your Tuscan Tortellini Soup 

To enjoy leftovers at their best, follow these tips:

• Cool the Soup Quickly: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and bacterial growth. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.

• Separate the Tortellini (Optional): Remove the pasta from the broth before storing it to prevent it from becoming overly soft and mushy. Alternatively, cook the tortellini only in the portion of soup you’ll eat immediately.

• Use Airtight Storage Containers: Store the Soup in the proper airtight containers. This preserves its flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors.

• Refrigerator and Freezer Options:

  • Refrigerator: Store for up to 3-4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze the Soup (without tortellini) for 2-3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving room for expansion.

• Reheat Properly:

  • Thaw: If frozen, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight.

  • Reheat: Place in a pot and warm up on the stovetop over medium heat. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave using short intervals and stirring frequently. If your soup needs thinning out, add a splash of chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency.