About 15 years ago I helped put together a cookbook for the women’s organization at my church. I have to plug “church cookbooks.” If you see them ever at a garage sale, or at a secondhand shop or estate sale, BUY THEM. They are the BEST kind of potluck. That being said, just like a potluck, some things are a huge hit and a keeper, and others will not be made and tried more than once. A bunch of “at home cooks” turn in their “best and favorite” recipes to compiled into a book for their friends to use. This isn’t really something that is done anymore. Which is a HUGE bummer! These kinds of recipe swaps and compilations really serve as the foundation of my recipe collection. It’s what we did before the internet, blogs and Pinterest existed. I kind of miss that world.
This recipe comes from an older grandma who gave it to the church cookbook project 15 years ago. I have made a few changes over the years and it is definitely one of my kids’ favorite dinners! Not only is it delicious, but it also is very fast and easy. Basically, just brown the sausage and then dump in the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer for a few and then DONE!
Remove the casings on the sausage. Heat a large pot, and lightly spray with oil. Brown the sausage. Add the onion and garlic. Stir and sauté till the onions are soft.
Next add in the broth, water, veggies, tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings and tortellini.
Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes till the veggies and tortellini are cooked through. And it’s DONE!
Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pkg 19.5 oz Sweet Italian turkey sausage I use Jennie-O, you may use sausage of your choice.
- 1 small sweet onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced or sliced
- 1-2 cups zucchini, sliced and diced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- 2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 pkg. tortellini, pasta filled with cheese I use the fresh tortellini from Costco or Sam's club that is 48 oz. It's a lot and you may choose to put in less.
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy bottomed pot. Spray with a little oil. Put in the Italian sausage. If there are casings on the sausages, then remove them before putting in the hot pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage and stir till the sausage is all browned.
- Add in the onions and garlic. Sauté with the sausage till onions and garlic are softened and slightly cooked.
- Next, add in the rest of the ingredients. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the carrots, zucchini and tortellini are fully cooked.