Learnt this one from my Italian nana! My tummy's always happy after!

Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of those cozy recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It's perfect for those chilly Midwest evenings when you need something hearty and comforting after a long day at work. I remember the first time I made this, it quickly became a favorite in my household because it's so easy to whip up and absolutely delicious. With the rich flavors of Italian sausage and tomato paste balanced by the freshness of spinach, this soup is a delightful way to end any day.

This Sausage Tortellini Soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty garlic bread for dipping. For an extra touch, you can serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you're hosting a dinner, a glass of red wine like Chianti would complement the flavors beautifully.

Servings: 6

1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated tortellini
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

1. In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender and cooked through, usually about 7-10 minutes.

5. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. If you're using heavy cream, add it now and stir to combine.

6. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to taste.

7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

If you want to mix things up a bit, you can use different types of sausage like spicy Italian or chicken sausage. You can also swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green twist. For a richer and creamier soup, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a splash of milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a couple of tablespoons of flour to the sausage and onion mixture before adding the liquid ingredients. And for a vegetarian option, simply leave out the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.