If you’re dreaming of comforting Italian flavors in a single bubbling pot, Tuscan Tortellini Soup is about to become your new cozy favorite. Packed with plump cheese tortellini, hearty Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a swirl of creamy tomato broth, this soup is more than just a weeknight winner—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just craving something quick and soul-warming, every bite delivers that dreamy combination of savory, creamy, and fresh you’d expect from Tuscany’s kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple yet vibrant ingredients that truly shine. Each one plays a tasty role: bringing aroma, richness, boldness, or a burst of color that makes Tuscan Tortellini Soup such a standout on any table.
- Olive oil: Use a fruity extra-virgin olive oil to kick-start flavor and keep your sausage from sticking.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): This gives a bold, deeply savory base—choose spicy or mild to match your craving.
- Onion (diced): Soft and sweet onions add lovely depth and balance to the soup’s richness.
- Garlic (minced): For irresistible aroma and the iconic Italian backbone, don’t be shy with garlic!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs for that instantly recognizable Mediterranean taste.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A sprinkle gives just enough heat to liven up every spoonful.
- Crushed tomatoes: This gives the base its tangy, rustic body—look for a good quality 28-ounce can.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of any good soup, it brings everything together with a savory depth.
- Heavy cream: For that signature creamy swirl and velvety mouthfeel—sub half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show! Tender pasta pillows stuffed with cheese add heartiness and fun.
- Fresh spinach: Three cups wilt down quickly, adding vibrant green color and subtle earthiness—you can swap for kale for more bite.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth that rounds out the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Stir it in or sprinkle on top for salty, cheesy savoriness.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): A sprinkle of torn basil adds inviting fragrance and a splash of color right before serving.
How to Make Tuscan Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. This will create the savory depth that makes Tuscan Tortellini Soup so satisfying. You want the sausage to be cooked through with a few crispy bits for extra flavor and texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is nicely browned, it’s time for the onion. Add the diced onion and sauté for about three minutes, just until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Follow with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick. Let everything mingle for a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the sausage and aromatics. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for ten minutes. This step infuses the broth with all that robust Italian flavor and starts to mellow the tomatoes’ acidity.
Step 4: Cream and Tortellini Time
Now the creamy magic! Stir in the heavy cream, watching the broth turn beautifully rosy and rich. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for about five to six minutes—long enough for the pasta to become perfectly tender while soaking up the soup’s flavors.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Finish
Drop in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts. This usually takes less than a minute. Taste the Tuscan Tortellini Soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. With everything piping hot and fragrant, your soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Tuscan Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
A flurry of grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top transform each bowl both visually and flavor-wise. The salty tang of Parmesan mixes with the creamy broth, while the basil brings that fresh pop every Italian dish needs. For an extra treat, drizzle a tiny bit of good olive oil over each serving.
Side Dishes
Tuscan Tortellini Soup is truly a meal in itself, but if you want a little something on the side, try a crusty Italian boule or garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette adds lightness and contrast to the rich soup. Even just a few marinated olives complete the table beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, ladle Tuscan Tortellini Soup into wide shallow bowls and top each with a Parmesan crisp or an extra swirl of cream. If you’re meal-prepping, try portioning into individual jars for cute, portable lunches. You can even let everyone customize their bowl at the table with toppings like extra red pepper flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, or chopped fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool completely before stashing in airtight containers. The tortellini may soften slightly, but the flavors will deepen and meld, making the leftovers even more irresistible!
Freezing
While you can freeze Tuscan Tortellini Soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and spinach. Dairy and pasta don’t always freeze gracefully—so store the base, then add fresh tortellini and greens when you reheat for the best texture. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, use short intervals and stir often. Add extra Parmesan and basil just before serving—that fresh finish makes all the difference!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup, Main Course
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage to match your dietary needs or mood. Each will change the soup’s flavor slightly, but the result will still be hearty and delicious.
What’s the best tortellini to use?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is quick, tender, and soaks up the broth beautifully. Frozen tortellini works as well—just adjust the cook time as needed. For a fun twist, try spinach or mushroom stuffed tortellini!
Can I make Tuscan Tortellini Soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Consider adding extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cannellini beans for added protein and texture.
Does this soup work in a slow cooker?
Tuscan Tortellini Soup can absolutely be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and aromatics on the stovetop first, then add everything except the tortellini and spinach to your slow cooker. Cook on low for a few hours, and add the tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes until cooked through.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes! Tuscan Tortellini Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner. Hold off on adding the tortellini until you reheat if you prefer a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soup that packs satisfaction, elegance, and pure comfort, Tuscan Tortellini Soup delivers every single time. With its creamy broth, herby sausage, tender pasta, and fresh greens, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll see just how easy it is to bring a taste of Tuscany to your own table!
Print
Tuscan Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Tuscan Tortellini Soup, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights. This hearty soup features Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a blend of savory seasonings. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Soup Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Additions:
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Tortellini: Add heavy cream and tortellini, cooking until pasta is tender (about 5–6 minutes).
- Finish Soup: Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- You can use kale instead of spinach for added texture.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
