Creamy Pesto Tortellini Zuppa Toscana
Pesto Tortellini Zuppa Toscana: savor this creamy, hearty soup in under 30 minutes. Loaded with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken or pork sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained, and tomatoes chopped
- juice of 1 lemon
- fresh kale
- cheese tortellini
- heavy cream
- grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of excess bacon grease.
- To the pot, add the spicy Italian sausage and chopped yellow onion. Brown the sausage all over, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the chopped celery, garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, 1 cup of water, basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the fresh kale and cook for 5 minutes, or until wilted. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, then remove from the heat.
- Stir in the reserved crisp bacon. Serve the soup immediately, topped with additional parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a high-quality homemade basil pesto or your favorite store-bought brand. The quality of the pesto significantly impacts the overall taste. - When adding the tortellini, ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer to prevent overcooking, which can make the pasta mushy. - If using chicken sausage, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before adding the broth. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain consistency.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.