This creamy sausage tortellini soup is warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious! Filled with cheesy tortellini and savory sausage, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
On a chilly day, this soup is what I reach for. It’s so easy to make, and the kids love it too. Plus, who can resist a creamy soup that tastes this good? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This gives the soup its rich flavor. You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great too.
Heavy Cream: For that creamy texture, heavy cream is ideal. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Cheese Tortellini: I love using refrigerated cheese tortellini for convenience, but frozen tortellini is a good substitute. Just adjust cooking time as needed. You can also use any pasta shape you prefer!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale works well too. Just make sure to chop it up into smaller pieces for easier eating.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Soup?
Cooking soup might seem easy, but paying attention to each step makes a big difference! Start by properly browning the sausage; this develops flavor. When adding the onions and garlic, be careful not to burn the garlic—just cook it until fragrant.
- Keep the heat moderate so the ingredients cook evenly.
- Remember to let the soup simmer; this helps blend the flavors well.
- When adding the tortellini, stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Don’t rush—let the spinach wilt gently before serving for that bright, fresh taste!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9-12 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This amazing creamy sausage tortellini soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your soup.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté it along with the sausage until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors together. This will be the base of your delicious soup!
4. Season the Soup:
Add in the dried Italian seasoning, along with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes. This is important to let all those wonderful flavors meld together!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Now it’s time for the tortellini! Add them to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they float and are tender.
6. Finish with Cream and Spinach:
Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped spinach. Cook for just 2 more minutes until the spinach wilts nicely. It adds a lovely touch of color and nutrition!
7. Stir in Parmesan:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. This makes it extra creamy and flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Give the soup one final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls and serve hot! You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top and add fresh herbs if you want—it’s a delightful touch!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of sausage tortellini soup! It’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the type of sausage you choose.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance! Just cook the soup up until you add the tortellini. Let it cool, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, add the tortellini, cream, and spinach, and cook until heated through.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra cream or broth if it thickens up too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them small and add them when you sauté the onions to ensure they cook evenly before adding the liquids.
