Spinach Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 pound ground pork or Italian Sausage removed from casing
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (coarsely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Freshly Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 2 minutes until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. 2

   Add ground pork (or Italian Sausage) and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it turns from pink to white. If using ground pork add seasonings and cook for 2 more minutes.

3. 3

   Add cubed butternut squash and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions., stirring occasionally. When the tortellini are almost done, lower the heat and add the spinach and basil. Cook until spinach is wilted and tortellini are tender.

6. 6

   Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.