Step 1

TORTELLINI: See Note If you'd prefer to cook the tortellini separately, start it now. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt, generously (I add 1 teaspoon to every 4 cups). Add tortellini and cook according to package directions, minus 1 minute. Remove, drain, and run under cold water for 30 seconds.

Step 2

SAUSAGE: In a large pot over medium-high heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and then add in the sausage. Cook and crumble the sausage until browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate and dab with another paper towel to blot the grease. Set aside.

Step 3

VEGGIES: Keeping the pot at medium-high heat, add in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil along with the diced onion, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper, (I add 1/4 teaspoon each.) Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic and sauté for one more minute, stirring occasionally. Add in the butter and allow to melt.

Step 4

STOCK: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly add in the chicken broth or stock, whisking to combine. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer and thicken for about 5-8 minutes.

Step 5

FINISHING SOUP: Return the cooked sausage to the pan, along with Italian seasoning, (if using frozen tortellini, add it in here), and salt and pepper (to taste, I add about 1 and 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper). Add in the coarsely chopped spinach, and half & half or heavy cream to the pot. Stir and then simmer on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until the spinach is wilted (and the tortellini is cooked through, if using frozen).

Step 6

SERVE: Serve immediately with lots of freshly grated Parmesan and a crusty baguette, if desired. If tortellini was cooked separately, add spoonfuls of cooked tortellini to individual bowls. Store tortellini and leftover soup separately to avoid pasta bloating.