If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavor, velvety texture, and crowd-pleasing ingredients, look no further: Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the answer to all your cozy cravings! With its perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, bright spinach, and a creamy tomato broth, this soup crafts a symphony of taste in every spoonful. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a big pot of something special to share with friends, you’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this dish comes together — it’s the kind of meal that tastes like a big, warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What sets Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup apart is how its handful of humble ingredients work together to create something extraordinary. Each element lends essential flavor, texture, or visual appeal, so don’t skip these stars:
- Olive Oil: Provides the base for sautéing sausage and veggies, adding a hint of fruitiness.
- Italian Sausage: The aromatic, seasoned sausage is the flavorful backbone of the soup—choose mild or spicy depending on your preference for heat.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic: Offers classic Italian aroma and a warm, savory note that elevates every bite.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A quick way to bring oregano, basil, and other herbs all in one sprinkle.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Perfect for adding a little kick—feel free to adjust or skip for a milder soup.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the savory soup base, balancing flavors and lending heartiness.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Bring acidity, color, and a gentle sweetness that complements the creamy broth.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Delicate pasta stuffed with cheese that turn pillowy and rich as they simmer.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of green and a hit of freshness right at the end.
- Heavy Cream: Swirls the soup into creamy, dreamy territory—don’t substitute if you want that luscious finish!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch brings everything into delicious harmony.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): The classic finishing touch for extra umami and a bit of flair.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, and let it sizzle until beautifully browned and fragrant. This is where the deep, savory flavor foundations of your Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup are set, so don’t rush this stage — take your time until every bit is nicely caramelized. If the sausage renders a lot of fat, you can drain off the excess for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Toss the diced onion into the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes, letting it soften and pick up a subtle sweetness. Next, add your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for just a minute until everything becomes fragrant. This is your invitation for the kitchen to smell utterly amazing—those Italian herbs and garlic are the soul of the soup!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (juices included) and give everything a hearty stir. Bring the pot up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This melds all those robust flavors together, and lets the tomatoes intermingle perfectly with the savory sausage and herbs.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Simmer
It’s tortellini time! Add the cheese-stuffed pasta to the pot and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick together. Watch as the tortellini puff up and get tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors. This is when Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup really comes to life!
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. The greens brighten the soup visually and add a fresh layer of flavor that balances the richness you’ll soon swirl in. Spinach cooks down fast, so don’t wander far from the pot!
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Lower the heat to prevent curdling, then stir in the heavy cream. Let everything simmer very gently for another 2–3 minutes. When you see that creamy swirl take over the pot, you’ll want to dive right in! Now’s the time to taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup hot into bowls and, if you love a little extra something, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Each bowl will be a stunning blend of colors, flavors, and textures — proof that Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is destined to become a staple at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
The final touch makes all the difference! A generous shower of grated Parmesan brings out the savory notes, while a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley offers a burst of color and herbal freshness. For a hit of heat, a tiny pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top will delight those who like it spicy. Don’t forget a swirl of olive oil for that glossy, restaurant-worthy finish!
Side Dishes
Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is hearty enough to steal the show, but it pairs wonderfully with golden, crusty bread for dunking. Consider a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette for a crisp contrast, or serve with garlic breadsticks for an ultimate Italian comfort meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve this soup in rustic bread bowls for maximum comfort food appeal. For family-style gatherings, try ladling Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup into a big tureen surrounded by little bowls of toppings, allowing everyone to customize their own. Or, for a lighter lunch, serve small portions in teacups as a cozy starter at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, stored in an airtight container. The pasta may soak up some broth as it rests, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore the original texture and creaminess.
Freezing
Want to save some for a future chilly day? While the soup technically freezes, tortellini can become extra soft after thawing. To keep everything at its best, freeze the soup base before adding tortellini and cream. When ready to serve, bring the soup to a gentle simmer, add fresh tortellini and cream, and cook as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the soup to a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of extra broth or cream. Avoid boiling after adding the cream, as this can curdle the lovely broth. For single servings, a microwave works well, just stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! You can swap in frozen tortellini without a hitch, just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may require a few more minutes to reach perfect tenderness.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free sausage and substitute the tortellini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. While you’ll lose the cheese-filled pockets, the flavors will still shine brightly with the sausage, broth, and creamy finish.
What other greens can I use besides spinach?
Kale is a fantastic alternative; just chop it finely and add it a bit earlier since it takes longer to wilt. Swiss chard or arugula also work, adding their own unique flavors and a nutritious boost.
Can I lighten up the recipe?
For a lighter version of Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, try using turkey sausage and either half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. The soup will still be delicious and comforting, just a tad less rich.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a lovely warmth with the addition of Italian sausage and optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer a mild version, opt for sweet sausage and skip the pepper flakes. For a fiery kick, use spicy sausage and add extra flakes!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup enough — it’s the kind of meal that lifts spirits and brings people together around the table. With every bowlful, you get a medley of irresistible flavors and a creamy, soul-warming broth that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and discover just how joyful homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. This easy one-pot recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook sausage: Add Italian sausage, cook until browned.
- Sauté onion: Add diced onion, sauté until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil.
- Cook tortellini: Add tortellini, cook until tender.
- Stir in spinach: Add spinach, let it wilt.
- Incorporate cream: Stir in heavy cream, simmer gently.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper, serve hot garnished with Parmesan.
Notes
Notes:
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Adjust spice level by omitting or increasing red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
