Since I am on a pretty strict diet these day it is sometimes hard to come up with recipes that the entire family can eat. Tortellini Soup is one of our favorite meals. I have found that I can cook this recipe and substitute chicken for the sausage and leave out the butter and it is something that we all enjoy.
One Pot Tortellini/Spinach/Tomato Soup
preparation time - approx. 20 minutes
2 T. butter
6-8 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cans chicken broth
fresh 3-cheese tortellini (these come in various sizes - refrigerated. I used large package because I was making a large amount)
12 oz. low fat sausage (I used Jimmy Dean - usually a good price at Wal-Mart)
1 (14oz) can petite diced tomatoes, with their liquid
10 oz. spinach, washed, stemmed, and coarsely chopped
sprinkle of dried basil (not very much, this is a strong flavor)
grated parmesan cheese
In large stockpot, cook fresh tortellini as per package instructions, drain
in colander and set aside. Rinse stockpot and add sausage - brown the
sausage, drain and add butter and garlic. Saute until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
Be careful not to burn garlic. Add broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and
add tomatoes, basil and spinach. Spinach will wilt in a minute or two. Then
serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
Be prepared to give this recipe to nearly anyone who tries it. It is soooo good!
Helpful hint: Sometimes fresh tortellini is a little difficult to find in the store.
They seem to put it in different places in every store. Sometimes you'll find
it near the fresh cheese -- sometimes it will be in a refrigerated area within
the dried pasta department. However, don't give up. Fresh pasta makes a huge difference in the soup.
