Kim’s Tortellini Soup

When I moved back to Dallas in 2019 to work for Eastside, I really didn’t have a feel for what “East Dallas” was and where I might want to live. Some very kind friends, Taylor and Ryan, opened their home to me as a landing place so I didn’t have to rush into a living situation right away. And a landing place it was – a comfortable, familiar haven in the midst of so much transition. I knew it was a gift at the time, but looking back it was truly a godsend. 

For seven months I called their guest bedroom home. In retrospect, I can’t believe they let me stay that long, because truth be told I was a terrible house guest. I was grieving the end of one season and community, while trying to adjust to a new city, new job, and new church. I was eager and anxious to become a part of a new community, to build a new family, to settle in. I was rarely home, because being in perpetual motion is a good (albeit unhealthy) way to avoid all the feelings that big life transitions stir up. And if I was home, I was probably sleeping. This weird version of myself-in-transition was selfish, sleepy, and introverted, which is not my normal mode of operation (and thankfully got better as life in Dallas became more familiar.) 

I was far from my best self during those months in their home, and still they were so kind to me. Their kids ministered to me with their silly laughter and sweet personalities. Taylor was patient and present with me, even when I wasn’t very present with her. They cheered me on in this new season and faithfully reminded me that this move and this new church were exactly what God had for me. 

Taylor also fed me more often than I can count. This wasn’t the deal when I moved in, but she was continually feeding her crew – and as someone who was truly made to mother, to nurture, to care for and cultivate life – she was then and is now always ready to share whatever she had on hand. 

One of my favorite things that Taylor makes is this incredible tortellini soup, a recipe given to her by another friend who was made to mother, Kim. Like Taylor, Kim has been a safe place to land for many. This soup is something I love to make and love to share with friends. It’s perfect for these cold weather months, comes together easy in the crockpot and is perfect for a crowd! 

I hope you make it and share it with your people, offering them a safe haven at your table and in your home. 

Ingredients

48 oz Vegetable Broth

1 Block of Cream Cheese

2 Cans of Italian Seasoned Diced Tomatoes 

20 oz Cheese Tortellini 

2 Handfuls of Spinach

2 tsp of Italian Seasoning

16 oz Italian Sausage (I like a mix of regular and spicy) 

Parmesan Cheese

Directions 

Brown sausage in a pan, drain excess fat once cooked. 

Add sausage, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cream cheese and Italian seasoning to a crockpot. 

Cook on low for 3 hours. 

After 2 hours, whisk to combine, add spinach and the package of tortellini and cook for another 1-2 hours. 

Serve with crusty bread and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.