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Hearty & Flavorful: The Ultimate Tomato Tortellini Stew Recipe

Welcome to the cozy season! This Tomato Tortellini Stew is more than just a soup; it’s a deeply satisfying, full-bodied meal in a bowl that promises to become an instant family favorite. Brimming with wholesome vegetables, savory Italian sausage, and delicate cheese tortellini, this stew delivers incredible flavor and comforting warmth in every spoonful. Perfect for crisp evenings and busy weeknights, it’s a dish that truly nourishes the soul.

Updated: This post was first published in November 2017. We’ve given it a fresh look with new photos and expanded tips to make your cooking experience even better!

As the leaves change color and the air grows cooler, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup or stew to bring comfort and joy. Here at our kitchen, we embrace soup season wholeheartedly, savoring everything from creamy concoctions to rich, brothy bowls that warm us from the inside out. This Tomato Tortellini Stew perfectly embodies that autumnal spirit, offering a hearty and flavorful experience that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

While some might lament the end of summer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the cozy delights that fall brings. Beyond the beautiful foliage and festive holidays, it’s the season for robust comfort foods, slow-cooked meals, and, of course, a little pumpkin spice magic. This stew fits right into that narrative, offering a perfect blend of richness and freshness that makes it a standout.

Why This Tomato Tortellini Stew Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a complete meal designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Our Tomato Tortellini Stew has earned its spot as a household favorite for many reasons:

Unbelievably Quick: From start to finish, this delectable stew comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Packed with Goodness: It’s loaded with healthy vegetables like ripe tomatoes, protein-rich cannellini beans, and vibrant spinach. These ingredients not only contribute to its nutritional value but also add incredible depth of flavor and texture.
Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of savory Italian sausage and tender cheese tortellini creates a truly satisfying stew that eats like a meal. You’ll feel pleasantly full without feeling overly heavy, leaving just enough room for a small treat after dinner!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe relies on readily available ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. The magic lies in how these simple components come together to create a complex and inviting flavor profile.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a bit of spice or something milder, this stew can be easily adapted to your taste. It’s also versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences with simple substitutions.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Stew

The beauty of this stew lies in its balanced blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients that make it so special:

Olive Oil & Butter: The foundation for sautéing, adding richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Italian Sausage: The heart of the stew, providing savory depth. Choose hot for a kick or sweet for a milder flavor profile. Be sure to remove it from its casing for easy crumbling.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Aromatic essentials that build the base flavor.
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper: Seasoning to perfection. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Diced Tomatoes with Italian Herbs: Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple that bring bright acidity and a ready-made herb blend to the stew.
Vegetable Broth & Water: The liquid base for the stew. Using a good quality vegetable broth enhances the overall flavor.
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans add a lovely texture, plant-based protein, and fiber, making the stew even more filling. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly.
Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves: Stirred in at the end, spinach wilts beautifully, adding a burst of color and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the other flavors.
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: The star pasta! Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and adds a delightful cheesy bite, turning the soup into a truly hearty meal.
Heavy Cream: A touch of cream at the end adds luxurious body and a smooth, comforting finish to the broth.
Parmesan Cheese: For garnish and an extra layer of savory, salty goodness.

We’re confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished part of your seasonal meal rotation. Its ease of preparation and comforting taste make it an absolute winner!

Expert Tips for Making the Best Tomato Tortellini Stew

Achieving stew perfection is simple with a few insider tips:

Sausage Choice Matters: I often opt for hot Italian sausage for a wonderful kick, but sweet Italian sausage works beautifully if you prefer a milder flavor. Just ensure you remove the casing before browning.
Fresh Tortellini for Texture: Using fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini is key for its quick cooking time and tender texture. You’ll find it in the refrigerated pasta section of your grocery store. Frozen tortellini can also be used, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Cream for Silkiness: The addition of heavy cream at the very end is optional but highly recommended. It transforms the broth into a rich, velvety texture that truly elevates the stew.
Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and maybe some fresh basil or parsley before serving adds both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, especially the refrigerated kind. Add it during the last few minutes of simmering and cook just until tender, al dente. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth. If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount to ½ teaspoon or more. If you prefer no spice, you can omit them entirely.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
A Glass of Wine: For the adults, a nice glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or a Pinot Noir, complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

This Tomato Tortellini Stew is fantastic as leftovers! It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a second meal a day or two later.

Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to thin it out a bit, as the tortellini can absorb more liquid as it sits.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze portions, it’s best to cook the tortellini separately and add it when reheating. The pasta can become mushy or lose its texture if frozen and thawed within the stew. Freeze the broth base without tortellini for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add freshly cooked tortellini.

Variations & Customizations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your preferences:

Make it Vegetarian: Omit the Italian sausage and sauté mushrooms or plant-based ground “meat” instead. You can also add more beans or lentils for extra protein. Ensure your tortellini is vegetarian-friendly.
Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions. Heartier vegetables should be added earlier to ensure they soften.
Different Proteins: Cooked chicken (shredded or diced), ground turkey, or even meatballs could be substituted for the Italian sausage.
Spice It Up: For an extra fiery kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Herb Appeal: Fresh basil, oregano, or a bay leaf can deepen the aromatic profile. Add fresh herbs at the very end for maximum flavor.
Cheesy Swaps: Instead of Parmesan, try grating some Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different nuance.

Tomato Tortellini Stew

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 6 servings

This Tomato Tortellini Stew is a soup that eats like a meal! Packed with veggies, meat, and pasta, it’s sure to be a family favorite!

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or sweet, casing removed)
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup yellow onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (or 1/2 tsp. if you like it spicy)
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
1 32-oz. package vegetable broth (such as Pacific Foods)
1 cup water
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
4 cups baby spinach leaves (chopped)
1 9-oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and chopped baby spinach leaves to the stew. Continue to simmer until the spinach leaves are completely wilted, which should take only about 1-2 minutes.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender and cooked through. Avoid overcooking the tortellini to maintain its texture.
Ladle the hearty Tomato Tortellini Stew into individual bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh sprig of basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can find fresh cheese tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
This dish is best served with some crusty bread for dipping and a nice glass of wine. You’re going to love how comforting it is!

Nutrition

(Per serving)

Calories: 651kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 111mg
Sodium: 2066mg
Potassium: 634mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 2820IU
Vitamin C: 22mg
Calcium: 302mg
Iron: 6mg

Keyword: tomato stew with tortellini, tomato tortellini stew, tortellini soup recipe, hearty stew, Italian sausage soup

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Main Dish, Soup

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If you make this recipe, we’d love to see! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and tag @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!

More Hearty Soup Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved this comforting stew, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other favorite hearty soup recipes:

Chicken Parmesan Soup
Beef Barley Soup
Lentil Chick Pea Soup

We hope this enhanced version of our Tomato Tortellini Stew brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Happy cooking!