Italian Sausage and Spinach Soup Recipe

The weather is cooling down, and the kitchen is heating up. The one thing that my kids LOVE on a rainy day is a bowl of warm homemade soup. I am always trying new things in the kitchen, and when I found myself with a couple of extra cans of crushed tomatoes from the holidays, I made this Italian sausage and spinach soup. The result was pure deliciousness. It ended up being one of the best soups that I have made, and the kids ate every last bite. A successful homemade meal is one where there are no leftovers.

The soup can be made in less than 20 minutes and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion
• 2 Tbl. Garlic
• 2 Tbl. Olive Oil
• 1 Pkg. Sweet Italian Sausage (Sliced)
• 1 28oz. diced tomatoes
• 1/4 tea. crushed red peppers
• 1/2 pkg. chicken broth
• 5-6 leaves of basil (diced)
• Salt/pepper
• 1/2 package tortellini
• 1 cup of fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup of sundried tomatoes
• 4 Tbl. fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions:

1. In a pot, boil the water for the tortellini. Cook per package instructions. Drain. Set aside.
2. In a separate pot (I use a dutch oven) heat the olive oil.
3. Then add the garlic and onion. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
4. Add the sausage, and cook until the sausage is fully cooked.
5. Then add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
6. Add the sundried tomatoes, salt, pepper, crushed red peppers, parsley and basil.
7. Let simmer for 30 min.
8. Before serving add the spinach and tortellini. Mix well and let cook for 5-7 minutes before serving.
9. Enjoy with a piece of fresh bread.