If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl of pure deliciousness, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. It combines tender Italian sausage, rich cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious creamy broth that hugs every bite with vibrant flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and just a little kick of spice that will quickly make this soup a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s the ultimate dish to cozy up with after a long day or to impress your loved ones with minimal effort but maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in the soup. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s the hearty sausage for richness, the tender tortellini for body, or the fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and brings a subtle fruity base note to the dish.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein, packed with herbs and spices, providing a perfect savory and slightly spicy punch.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when softened.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with its unmistakable warmth and fragrance.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky undertone that enhances the richness of the sausage.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want an extra little kick of heat.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth to create that irresistible creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the soup’s flavorful base, making it hearty and comforting.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Add a subtle tang and slight texture contrast.
- Heavy cream: The magic ingredient that makes this soup incredibly creamy and indulgent.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta stuffed with cheese that absorbs the creamy broth beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Brings freshness and vibrant green color to the final dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a nutty, salty richness on top.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want it to brown evenly and cook through for that deep, savory flavor that forms the soup’s foundation.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Once the sausage is ready, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté everything briefly until fragrant—this step builds the soup’s aromatic layers and hints of spice.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. This is key for achieving the silky, creamy texture everyone loves in this soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the drained diced tomatoes. Bring the soup gently to a simmer, letting all the flavors mingle and the broth begin to thicken.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Tortellini
Pour the heavy cream into the pot and mix well to create that rich, velvety base. Next, add your cheese tortellini and cook uncovered for about 7 to 9 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender and has absorbed some of the soup’s wonderful flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning
Add the chopped fresh spinach last and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This final touch freshens the soup and balances the creamy richness with a vibrant note.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving to add a burst of umami flavor and a slightly nutty finish. For extra flair, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the presentation and taste even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty soup alongside a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s easy to love. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth, and the salad offers a refreshing crunch to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into individual bread bowls made from sourdough or Italian bread. This adds an impressive, rustic touch and provides a delicious edible vessel for enjoying every bite. You can also top the soup with fresh basil or torn arugula to add a peppery brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sausage tortellini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even more delightful. Just be aware the soup may thicken, so you might need to loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
While this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes well, the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after thawing. If freezing, consider undercooking the pasta by a minute or two so it doesn’t become mushy later. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add additional chicken broth or water as needed to reach your desired soup consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the cream from separating and maintain that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative that still provides plenty of flavor. Just choose a variety seasoned with Italian spices to keep the classic profile of the soup intact.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage for a plant-based meat alternative or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version that still feels satisfying and cozy.
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, though cooking times will vary. Dried tortellini usually takes a few minutes longer to cook, so keep an eye on the texture and cook until tender. Adjust the seasoning and liquid as needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Full-fat coconut milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese can offer a creamy texture if you want to avoid heavy cream. However, the flavor will be slightly different but still tasty!
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage and how much red pepper flakes you add. If you prefer mild, use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, use spicy sausage and a pinch of flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true comfort food delight that comes together easily with everyday ingredients yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor – perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home too!
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring browned Italian sausage, aromatic spices, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich, creamy broth topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines hearty ingredients with creamy textures for a satisfying bowl of soup.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
Creamy Elements and Add-ins
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the drained diced tomatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cream and Tortellini: Stir in the heavy cream followed by the refrigerated tortellini. Let the soup cook for 7 to 9 minutes until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the pot and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Turkey sausage can be used as a lighter alternative to Italian sausage.
- Kale can replace spinach if preferred for a different leafy green taste.
- Leftovers tend to thicken due to the cream and starch from tortellini; add extra chicken broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- For spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
