This tortellini soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It features delicious cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a flavorful broth with veggies. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how quick this soup comes together—just a few minutes and it’s ready! It’s like a cozy Italian dinner without all the fuss. Just grab a spoon and enjoy! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its flavor. You can swap it for turkey sausage for a leaner option or use a meat-free sausage to make it vegetarian. Just adjust the seasonings a bit since different sausages have varied spice levels.
Chicken Broth: For a richer taste, homemade broth is best, but store-bought works just fine. If you need a vegetarian version, go for vegetable broth instead. This way, you still get a delicious depth of flavor!
Heavy Cream: This adds a lovely creaminess to the soup. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or even milk. Just remember, the soup will be less rich, but still yummy!
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is fantastic for its mild flavor. You could use kale as another option; just cook it a little longer until it’s tender. Frozen spinach is okay too; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water.
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage to perfection makes a big difference. Start by using medium heat; it gives the sausage time to brown nicely without burning. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, making sure it’s well-cooked and no pink remains. If there’s too much grease, drain it—this helps keep the soup from becoming too oily.
What’s the Best Way to Add Creaminess Without Curdling?
To avoid curdling when adding cream, always reduce the heat to low before stirring it in. This allows the cream to blend smoothly without the risk of separation. Add the cream slowly, stirring constantly for a velvety texture!
How Do I Know When the Tortellini is Done?
The cooking time for tortellini is usually 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they float! It’s a simple way to know they’re ready. If they start to change color and expand, you’re in the clear!
Delicious Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this tortellini soup is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. It’s an easy and quick meal you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the ground Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it’s well cooked. Do you see any excess grease? If so, carefully drain it to keep your soup from being oily.
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Mix in the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and gently stir everything together. Bring the whole mixture to a simmer—this is where the magic begins!
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Next, add the refrigerated tortellini to the bubbling broth. Let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float and feel tender. This is a great time to set the table!
5. Stir in Cream and Spinach:
Now, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped spinach. Allow the soup to simmer just until the spinach wilts down, about 2 minutes. It’s all coming together beautifully!
6. Season the Soup:
Give the soup a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, it’s always easier to add more seasoning than to take it out!
7. Add the Parmesan:
Incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the soup until it’s melted and creamy. This adds that wonderful cheesy flavor we all love!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your delicious tortellini soup hot! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This creamy, savory tortellini soup combines tender pasta, hearty sausage, and nutritious spinach in a rich tomato-cream broth—a beautifully comforting dinner option!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. They’ll be fully cooked when they float to the top, which is the same indicator as fresh tortellini!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for added flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that the tortellini may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! You can toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the garlic for additional flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them a bit with the sausage so they soften up nicely!
