If there’s one bowl of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it has to be my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety broth that’s just bursting with flavor. This soup not only satisfies your hunger but fills your kitchen with aromas that make you eager to dive right in. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave something hearty yet effortlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting a soup that’s rich in taste, texture, and even a pop of color, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides bold, savory flavor and hearty protein, choose sweet or hot depending on your heat preference.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage beautifully, adding a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion (1 large, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Injects a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a little kick of heat, if you like your soup with some spice.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The comforting liquid base that brings everything together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds a fresh acidity and brightens the soup’s flavor.
- Frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry): Provides vibrant color and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the taste.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): The star pasta that’s perfectly tender and full of gooey cheese.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luxuriously smooth and creamy texture everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup plus more for serving): Adds umami richness and a slightly nutty finish.
- Salt and black pepper: For essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A pop of fresh green color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so that the pieces brown evenly. This step releases those savory flavors and caramelizes the meat, building a fantastic base for your soup. Once nicely browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent—this usually takes around 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. Cooking these ingredients for another minute or so brings out their wonderful aromas, setting the stage for a flavorful broth.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Give everything a good stir to combine so that the tomatoes disperse through the broth, adding a vibrant pop of color and tangy undertones.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow all those bold flavors to meld together beautifully. This is where the soup starts developing its classic hearty depth.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
Add the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach to remove excess moisture before stirring it in. This step adds a lovely green freshness and extra nutrients without overpowering the rich sausage and creamy broth.
Step 6: Add Tortellini
Now it’s time for the cheesy tortellini. Add it directly to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 3 to 5 minutes. The tortellini should be tender yet perfectly chewy, absorbing some of the soup’s flavors and creating the ultimate comfort bite.
Step 7: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This luscious addition transforms the broth into a velvety, creamy masterpiece. Just be sure not to let the soup boil at this stage, so the cream stays smooth and silky.
Step 8: Season
Give the soup a final seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go to get everything just right. Proper seasoning is key here as it enhances all the complex flavors you’ve built up.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve it piping hot for the most satisfying experience. Your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a mild herbal note that lightens the richness of the soup. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese enhances the umami flavor and provides a lovely finishing touch. Some folks also love a dash of crushed red pepper for a little extra warmth at the table.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. These sides help balance the soup’s creaminess and add a satisfying crunch or fresh element to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an impressive presentation that doubles as edible dinnerware. Alternatively, top the soup with a handful of toasted pine nuts or crispy fried sage leaves for added texture and a gourmet feel. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe invites playful plating that’s bound to wow family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy evenings. Just remember that the tortellini might soak up some broth as time passes, so the soup can become thicker.
Freezing
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe can be frozen but with a little caution. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and tortellini, then thaw and add fresh cream and cooked tortellini when reheating. This helps preserve the soup’s texture and creaminess.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to keep the texture smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe, though it may result in a slightly different flavor and less fat rendering during cooking. You might want to add a little extra olive oil to compensate.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or simply use more vegetables and beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, dried tortellini can be used but will require a longer cooking time, usually around 10-12 minutes. Add it earlier in the simmering process to ensure it’s tender by the time the soup is ready.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup is mildly spicy if you include red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less. The sausage type you choose also affects the spice level; sweet Italian sausage will be milder.
Can I make this soup ahead and reheat it for a party?
Definitely! This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. Just keep the cream and tortellini separate until close to serving time to keep everything fresh and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe to lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger with every spoonful. It’s a deliciously cozy way to enjoy Italian flavors and a fantastic recipe to have in your rotation. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a beloved staple that your family and friends will keep asking for again and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic, herbs, and spinach. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this hearty soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Soup Base and Additions
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease before continuing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry chopped spinach to the soup. Stir well to incorporate evenly throughout.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use either sweet or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- If you prefer a milder soup, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh spinach can be used in place of frozen; just add it towards the end and cook until wilted.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
