Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup

I believe we have a winner.

While soup season has only just begun, I do believe this will be our favorite soup recipe this winter.

We even made the soup twice just this past week alone!!

I have a feeling it will be on our menu a lot over the next couple of months!

Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup - Modified from Out of the Box and Into the Kitchen
{Print Recipe}

1/2 lb. Italian turkey sausage
2 T minced onion
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 can petite diced tomatoes {no salt added}
1 C tomato sauce
2 C fresh spinach
4 C chicken broth
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper, to taste
1 C tortellini {whole wheat, preferred}
if desired, an additional 1/2 C pasta
1/8 C mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes

Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a large stockpot.  Add in the minced garlic and onion and cook until the Italian sausage is done.  Drain any excess grease.  {I used ground Italian sausage that was already cooked  in making this soup -- I often keep browned meat in our freezer for easy dinner prep!}

Then, add in the tomatoes {undrained}, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.  Add in the spices.  Bring the soup to a light boil and then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer the soup for 30 minutes or longer... ours ended up simmering for ~1 hour.

Then, add in the spinach and pasta.  Allow these to cook for about 20 minutes while the pasta cooks slowly at a simmer.

Remove from the heat and then add in the diced mozzarella cheese.

Serve warm with a crusty bread and sprinkle the tops with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This post is linked to:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Home and Pantry Recipe Swap
What's on your plate?
What's Cooking Wednesday
Bloggy Progressive Dinner
Holiday Recipe Exchange
Homemade Holidays
SoupaPalooza