There’s something incredibly special about a bowl of warm, comforting soup. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers pure cozy satisfaction. It’s packed with tender cheese tortellini and savory Italian sausage. The rich, creamy broth is truly delightful.
I love making this particular soup on chilly evenings. It’s a family favorite for a reason. It always disappears so quickly from our bowls.
Why I Love This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a weeknight superhero!
- So Quick: It’s ready in under an hour.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Sausage and herbs create a deep taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore it.
- Pure Comfort: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
It makes entertaining easy, too!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Ingredients
The magic of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup truly comes alive with its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a starring role in creating its comforting flavor and satisfying texture.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sausage pasta soup:
- Olive Oil: Our starting point for sautéing. It builds the flavor base.
- Italian Sausage: This brings savory depth and a little spice. Use mild or hot!
- Yellow Onion: It adds sweetness and aroma as it softens.
- Garlic: A must for that pungent, delicious kick.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation. It carries all the wonderful flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: These add a touch of acidity and heartiness.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Italian herbs for that essential aromatic note.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, seasoning is key!
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are the star. They cook up tender and delicious.
- Heavy Cream: This makes our soup wonderfully rich and creamy.
- Fresh Spinach: It wilts in beautifully, adding color and nutrients.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have a specific herb? A pinch of Italian seasoning works well. For a lighter soup, you could try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Want more veggies? Add chopped carrots or celery with the onions. If you can’t find store-bought tortellini, fresh tortellini is wonderful. Remember, full ingredient amounts are always in the recipe card below. This sausage tortellini soup is quite forgiving!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat your olive oil in it. Set the heat to medium. Add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned. Make sure it’s cooked through. Drain off any extra grease. This is the first flavor layer for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Now, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook it for about 5 minutes. You want it to get nice and soft. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute. This releases its amazing fragrance. Aromatic vegetables build a great soup base.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth. Add the undrained diced tomatoes next. Stir in your dried oregano and basil. Bring this liquid mixture to a gentle simmer. This starts melding all those savory flavors. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderful.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Time for the star! Add the cheese tortellini. Cook them according to their package. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them perfectly tender. Don’t overcook them now. This sausage pasta soup is coming together.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Greens
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Add your chopped fresh spinach. Cook for just 2 to 3 minutes more. The spinach should wilt. The soup should be heated through. Do not let this sausage tortellini soup boil after adding cream. This prevents curdling. It keeps the soup beautifully creamy.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your delicious Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. Adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper. Make it just right for you. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve it warm immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for serving. Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Store Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup stores beautifully. For refrigerator storage, let the soup cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Freezing this soup is also an option. However, the tortellini might get a bit softer upon reheating. It’s perfectly fine for another tasty meal!
Tips for Success with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use good quality Italian sausage. It makes a big difference.
- Don’t boil after adding the cream. This keeps it smooth.
- Chop your spinach finely. It wilts faster.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Wipe down the pot rim for a cleaner look.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
You don’t need many special tools for this easy soup recipe.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: A good, heavy-bottomed pot is ideal.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Standard kitchen items.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up sausage.
- Ladle: For serving up those delicious bowls.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare most of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time. Cook the sausage, onions, and garlic first, then add the broth and tomatoes and let it simmer. Cool and refrigerate. Add the tortellini and cream just before serving to keep the pasta tender and the soup creamy.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
No problem! You can swap it with another type of sausage. Ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds and red pepper flakes works well. Ground chicken or turkey are also great alternatives — just season them generously for the best flavor.
Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, but leave out the tortellini and cream before freezing. Cook the soup as directed, let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat on the stove, and add the tortellini and cream just before serving to prevent mushy pasta.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and sauté extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose vegetarian-friendly tortellini. This way, you’ll have a hearty, meat-free soup everyone can enjoy.
Print
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, packed with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their liquid). Stir in dried oregano and dried basil. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until spinach is wilted and soup is heated through. Do not boil after adding cream.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Do not boil the soup after adding the heavy cream to prevent it from curdling.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery along with the onion.
