If you’re craving a bowl that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine spicy Italian sausage mingling with tender cheese-filled tortellini, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth brightened by fresh spinach and seasoned just right with garlic, oregano, and a hint of heat if you like. This soup is hearty enough to satisfy your hunger yet simple enough to whip up on a cozy weeknight. It’s the perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that combine to build a flavor-packed and creamy dish. Each ingredient is essential—whether it’s the savory sausage, the peppery Parmesan, or the fresh spinach that adds color and nutrients, every component plays its part to make this soup special.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Provides rich, meaty flavor and the perfect amount of savory spice.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, fragrant undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in an earthy, herbal note essential to Italian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat for those who love a bit of spice.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Offers acidity and a touch of brightness to balance the cream.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium): Forms the flavorful liquid base without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Dreams come true with this silky richness making the soup luxuriously creamy.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the cream slightly for a smooth texture without dulling the taste.
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta that creates comforting pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritional boost.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The final seasoning touches that bring everything together.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish): A salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor to brighten up the soup.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and adding your Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbled, which usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the sausage well adds that deep, savory flavor base that this soup depends on. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it to keep the soup from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in your diced onion right on top of the sausage and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a sweet, flavorful foundation. After that, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Cook everything together for about a minute until the aroma becomes irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in your chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine and use your spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot. That’s where a lot of the magic hides! Bring everything to a simmer so the flavors start to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once simmering, let the soup gently cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors deepen and blend fully. It’s the perfect moment to take a quick breather and get ready for the creamy finish ahead.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Milk
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, watching the soup turn from broth to a creamy dream. Bring the mixture back to a simmer before adding in your cheese tortellini. Follow the package directions, usually cooking the tortellini about 5 to 7 minutes until tender and cheesy in every bite.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
Right at the end, mix in the chopped fresh spinach. Just a few minutes of cooking will wilt it perfectly without losing its vibrant green color and fresh taste, adding a welcome brightness to the richness of the soup.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Now comes the fun part—taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Ladle generous bowls of this creamy delight and sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese along with a scattering of fresh parsley if you like. It’s the crowning touch that will get everyone eager to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this soup more than fresh garnishes. A handful of shredded Parmesan melts into the hot broth, adding savory richness and a slightly salty bite. If you want a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. These little touches not only make the soup gorgeous but also enrich every mouthful with layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
The soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread makes the meal even more satisfying. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can lend a refreshing contrast, balancing the creamy soup beautifully. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, roasted vegetables or a caprese salad would be fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a cozy dinner party or a special family meal, consider presenting the soup in bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch. Another option is to top each bowl with a few freshly cracked black peppercorns or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Smaller portions served in mugs make for a charming appetizer or lunch option that feels comforting and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe tastes just as delightful the next day and is perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the tortellini will continue to soak up liquid, so you might want to thin the soup with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but with a small note of caution: the creamy base can sometimes separate after thawing. If you choose to freeze, cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When defrosting, do it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and stir well after reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. If the soup appears too thick after warming, add a little chicken broth or milk to loosen it. For microwave reheating, cover the bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative that still provides delicious flavor. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned or use spicy turkey sausage if you want some heat.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this soup. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time depending on the package instructions, but the taste and texture will remain delightful.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. You may want to omit the Parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free cheese to keep it aligned with your dietary needs.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level can be easily adjusted by the type of Italian sausage you use and by adding or leaving out the red pepper flakes. Mild sausage and skipping the flakes result in a gentle warmth, while spicy sausage and red pepper flakes bring a bolder kick.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to add more texture and nutrition. Just add them after sautéing the onions and before pouring in the broth so they cook nicely.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, filled with rich, comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a fantastic go-to for any day you want something easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll quickly climb its way to the top of your comfort food favorites. So grab your ingredients and dive in—you’re in for a tasty treat!
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy sausage tortellini soup featuring Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth made with tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies and warms you up in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Brown and crumble the sausage for 5-7 minutes and remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion to the pot with the cooked sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cream and Milk: Stir in heavy cream and whole milk. Bring back to a simmer, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, approximately 5-7 minutes, until tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley.
- Enjoy! Serve the soup hot and savor the creamy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, use spicy Italian sausage and add the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk for a lighter soup.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Frozen tortellini can be used, but may require a few extra minutes to cook.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
