This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that bridges Italian flavor and weeknight convenience in one irresistible bowl. Picture plump tortellini pillows, savory sausage, fragrant garlic, bright tomatoes, and velvety cream coming together in dreamy harmony. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this soup delivers rich taste and satisfying textures every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup has a starring role, bringing depth, creaminess, or a pop of color to the pot. With just a handful of pantry and fresh staples, you’ll transform simple grocery finds into something that feels truly special.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy): The flavorful, juicy base packs boldness into every bite; choose mild for subtle warmth or spicy if you like a kick.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Helps saute the aromatics and adds a hint of richness; use just enough to keep things from sticking.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Sweet and mellow, onion gives the soup its essential savory foundation.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the aroma of freshly minced garlic blooming in the skillet—don’t skimp!
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The backbone of the soup, lending comforting depth and body to every spoonful.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Bring tang, a hint of sweetness, and their beautiful red hue for visual and flavor appeal.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend ties everything together with herbal notes; feel free to add your favorite dried herbs if you like more zing.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who prefer a gently spicy soup, a sprinkle gives subtle warmth without overpowering.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (1 package, 9 ounces): These tender pasta parcels soak up all the flavors and make the dish irresistibly hearty.
- Fresh baby spinach (3 cups): For a touch of color, freshness, and a boost of nutrition—just wilt before serving.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Swirls of cream transform the broth into a luxurious, silky soup that feels oh-so-indulgent.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for adjusting the seasoning right at the end, boosting all the other flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds salty, nutty richness and the perfect finishing touch—don’t forget it!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your call) and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly; you want all those delicious caramelized bits. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, but leave about a tablespoon in the pot for added flavor.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
With the sausage still sizzling, toss in your diced onion. Stir frequently, letting it soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Now add that fresh garlic and cook for just half a minute. You’ll know when it’s ready by the absolutely mouthwatering aroma floating through your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in your chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice included) to create a comforting, savory base for your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. Stir in the Italian seasoning and, if you crave a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes—the flavors really get to know each other here.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Time for those magical cheese tortellini! Add them straight from the fridge into the simmering soup. Give it a gentle stir and cook according to the package directions (usually about 5-7 minutes) until the pasta is plump and tender—the soup already looks irresistible at this stage.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Add the Cream
Toss in your bag of fresh baby spinach and watch it melt into the soup in just a minute or two, adding vibrant green color and a pop of freshness. Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until everything is creamy and dreamy. Taste and season with salt and plenty of black pepper—don’t be shy!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Ladle your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot, and crown each one with a snowfall of grated Parmesan. Every spoonful is pure cozy goodness—the kind of soup that just wraps you up after a long day!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing this soup, Parmesan is just the beginning! Finish with a dusting of freshly ground black pepper, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or even a swirl of extra cream for truly luxurious bowls. A few extra red pepper flakes can add sparkle if you love spice.
Side Dishes
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup loves company! Serve it with warm, crusty bread—perfect for dunking into the velvety broth. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette will balance out the richness. For something lighter, some roasted veggies or simple garlic knots are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dishing up this soup in chunky mugs for a cozy, casual vibe or in wide, shallow bowls for a more elegant presentation. For dinner parties, serve smaller portions as a starter in pretty ramekins, and top with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is always a showstopper, no matter how you present it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup stays delicious and even develops deeper flavors as it sits!
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, but for best results, leave out the tortellini and cream before freezing. Freeze the base soup, then add freshly cooked tortellini and the cream when you reheat. This keeps the texture of the pasta and the creaminess just right.
Reheating
Gently reheat refrigerated soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of broth or extra cream to loosen it up. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above, adding tortellini and cream at the end.
FAQs
What kind of sausage works best for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage taste amazing here! If you love a bit of heat, go for spicy. Pork sausage gives the richest flavor, but you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Absolutely! Try chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even escarole. Just remember that heartier greens may need a minute or two longer to wilt perfectly into the soup.
How do I make it lighter?
If you want to cut calories, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You’ll still get a luscious, creamy texture but with less richness. Light turkey sausage is another great swap.
Is Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
As written, this soup contains both pasta and sausage, which typically have gluten. However, many stores now carry gluten-free tortellini and sausage, so you can easily adapt the recipe if needed.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Definitely! Add frozen tortellini straight into the simmering soup, just allow for a few extra minutes of cooking time until they’re tender and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something heartwarming, look no further than Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s easy enough for any night of the week, packed with bold flavors, and guaranteed to make you (and anyone lucky enough to join you) feel right at home. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Print
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. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this soup is hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon (if needed)
Yellow Onion:
1 small, diced
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Chicken Broth:
4 cups
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14.5 ounces)
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Cheese Tortellini:
1 package (9 ounces)
Baby Spinach:
3 cups fresh
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Parmesan Cheese:
grated, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large pot, brown and cook the Italian sausage.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, season, and simmer.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini, cook until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach, cream, salt, and pepper. Serve hot topped with Parmesan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can use frozen tortellini with adjusted cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
