Hearty Tortellini and Bacon Sausage Chowder

Ingredients

- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 oz sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon and Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the sausage to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside with the bacon.

2. Saute Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer Vegetables
Add the chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, dried basil, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Cook Tortellini
Increase the heat to medium and add the tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they are al dente.

5. Thicken the Chowder
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the pot, then add the cooked bacon and sausage back into the chowder.

6. Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with additional Parmesan on the side if desired.

Preparation & Cooking Time

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT40M
40 minutes

Total Time

PT55M
55 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

- Tortellini Chowder
- Bacon Sausage Soup
- Creamy Tortellini
- Spinach Tortellini Soup
- Hearty Dinner Recipe
- Easy Dinner
- One-Pot Meal
- Soup Recipe
- Comfort Food
- Gourmet Chowder

Recipe Yield

Serves 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 2,100

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