TORTELLINI SOUP

Tortellini Soup image

Provided by Julie Bailey @julesbai

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 pound(s) bacon, chopped (about 5 or 6 slices)
3/4 pound(s) smoked sausage (note: sliced kielbasa or ground work equally well)
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 teaspoon(s) minced garlic (about 2 whole cloves, finely chopped)
1 quart(s) chicken stock/broth
10 to 12 ounce(s) cheese filled tortellini (or any flavor you prefer) adjust this to your preference, using more or less tortellini according to your preference.
1/2 teaspoon(s) italian seasoning (or mixture of basil and oregano if you don't have italian seasoning)
2 cup(s) half and half
3 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
1 and 1/2 cup(s) baby spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
parmesan cheese for topping (grated or shredded) - optional

Steps:

Use a large, deep pot. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then move to a paper towel to use as soup topping later.
If using ground sausage (we like sweet Italian variety), ADD it to the pot and break into crumbles, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until nearly done. ADD the onions, garlic, carrots and celery, stirring until onions are slightly translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully DRAIN most of the sausage grease then return to heat. (NOTE: If using slices of Kielbasa instead of ground sausage, it is fully cooked and will only need to be heated, so can be added at the same time as the onions, garlic, carrots and celery).
ADD the chicken stock and seasonings. Simmer for 5-6 minutes. ADD the tortellini and simmer for 3-4 minutes. ADD cream.
Create a slurry with the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water. Slowly add to the tortellini mixture, stirring constantly until well-mixed. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
TURN-OFF heat and add the spinach and black pepper. SERVE HOT and top with the bacon bits and parmesan cheese.
NOTE: The slurry isn't so heavy that it over-thickens your soup. You can always adjust the cornstarch and water slurry to make the soup base thicker - or thinner by adding just water. This is your soup. Make it as thick or thin as you like!