If there’s one thing that can instantly wrap you in cozy comfort, it’s the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. This rich, soul-satisfying soup brims with tender cheese tortellini, juicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and an irresistibly creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Every spoonful is hearty yet not heavy, brimming with flavor and the kind of warmth that makes you sigh with happiness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a new favorite to impress friends, this is a bowl you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is that the ingredient list is simple yet full of flavor. Each component is essential—not just for taste, but for creating the perfect creamy, colorful, and crave-worthy soup you’ll love sharing.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): The base of the soup, providing savory depth and a pop of spice if you choose the hot variety.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Use this to sauté your sausage and veggies if the sausage is lean, ensuring nothing sticks.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a soft bite that rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides that must-have aromatic punch every comforting soup needs.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little heat, this brings just the right amount of zing.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the broth with classic Mediterranean herbs for unmistakable Italian flair.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, with juices): Adds brightness, a hint of acidity, and lovely bits of tomato in every bite.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The foundation for the soup’s body and flavor; use low-sodium if you prefer more control over the salt.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): Heartiness in every bite; these pillowy pasta pockets soak up all the delicious broth.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Gives a vibrant color and slight earthy note, making each bowl feel nourishing.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to creamy decadence, creating a luscious and silky soup base.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts right into the soup for deep, nutty richness and that signature Italian flavor.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together and balancing the soup perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. If your sausage is very lean and the pot looks dry, drizzle in some olive oil. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, then drain off any excess grease to keep the soup beautifully balanced, not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion right in with the sausage and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and fragrant. Now stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes if you like a little spice, and Italian seasoning. Let them cook for just a minute, but keep an eye (and nose) on things—the moment you smell those wonderful fragrant notes, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their lovely juices, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and let it bubble for about 10 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld into a rich, savory base.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini straight into the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions—usually about 4 to 6 minutes. The tortellini should be tender and just perfect, soaking up the flavor-packed broth as they cook.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Cheese
Give the soup a stir and add the chopped fresh spinach. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for just 2 to 3 more minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the soup to become thick and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe piping hot, ready to warm up anyone lucky enough to grab a bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing flourish can bring this soup from delicious to downright dazzling. Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a scattering of fresh cracked black pepper, or even a tiny handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, aromatic pop. Don’t forget a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra richness—or go bold with a swirl of pesto.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it truly shines when paired with crusty bread for dunking. A simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette can balance the creamy richness. If you’re feeding a crowd, add some garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist or family night, ladle the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe into small mugs for easy, cozy sipping. Brighten things up by serving in colorful soup bowls or in bread bowls for an extra indulgent touch—trust me, everyone will be wowed. You can even top with a fried or poached egg for a luxurious finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the soup to an airtight container once it has cooled slightly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; it keeps beautifully and the flavors often deepen overnight. The tortellini will absorb more broth as it sits, so the soup may thicken—just add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
Freezing
For best results when freezing the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, hold off on adding the tortellini and spinach. Cool the soup base, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, bring back to a simmer, then add fresh tortellini and spinach to finish the soup. This way, everything tastes fresh and perfectly cooked the second time around.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. You might need to add a little extra broth or cream if it’s thickened up. Avoid letting it boil hard to keep the cream silky and the tortellini tender. For individual servings, microwaving in short bursts (with a stir between each) works just as well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini work just as well—simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender before moving on to the next step.
Is it possible to make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can lighten things up by using turkey or chicken sausage, swapping in half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, and reducing the Parmesan slightly. You’ll still get a creamy texture with less richness!
Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Kale is a fantastic option if you want a heartier green. Strip the leaves from the stems, chop them, and add a couple minutes earlier than you would spinach, so they have time to soften in the soup.
How do I avoid overcooking the tortellini?
For perfect tortellini, add them to the simmering soup and keep a close eye on the cooking time. As soon as they float to the surface and are tender, take the pot off the heat or serve immediately—this ensures they stay plump and delicious, never mushy.
Can I make this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for a plant-based version or sauté mushrooms for another layer of umami. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll have a deeply flavorful, vegetarian-friendly soup to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that makes people gather close and savor every bite. Whether you’re making it for yourself or someone you love, this soup is guaranteed to bring big smiles and plenty of requests for seconds. Give it a go, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite cozy classic!
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a creamy broth, this soup is a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon (if needed)
Onion:
1 small (diced)
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14.5 ounces, with juices)
Chicken Broth:
4 cups
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini:
1 package (9 ounces)
Spinach:
3 cups (fresh, roughly chopped)
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt and Black Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Spices: Add diced onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and cook until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- To make ahead, prepare the soup without tortellini and add before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
