Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
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This creamy sausage tortellini soup is rich, filling, and surprisingly easy to make on a busy night. Italian sausage brings bold flavor, cheese tortellini makes it hearty, and the creamy broth ties everything together without feeling heavy. It’s a solid option when you want something more satisfying than a basic soup but still simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
This recipe fits right in with other soups I make on repeat, like my Ham and Corn Chowder when I want something a little sweet and savory, or kale and white bean soup when I’m leaning toward something lighter but still filling. The sausage, tortellini, and spinach combo makes this soup a full meal on its own, and the fact that it’s all done in one pot is always a bonus.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Why Is Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup So Popular?
This is the kind of soup people ask for again and again once they’ve tried it. The sausage adds depth, the tortellini keeps it filling, and the creamy base makes it feel like more than just soup. If you love recipes like my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, this one hits that same comforting, dinner-worthy note but with a slightly richer twist.
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Italian sausage adds a robust, savory flavor to the soup. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference. If you want to cut down on fat, opt for turkey sausage.
- Onion and Garlic: These two are a must for building flavor. The onion adds sweetness, while the garlic gives the soup a nice depth. Don’t skip them!
- Carrots and Celery: These veggies add a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture. They’re classic soup ingredients that help to round out the flavors.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth adds a savory richness. If you want a deeper flavor, use a homemade broth or a low-sodium variety to control the salt content.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds acidity and a touch of sweetness. Don’t drain them—those juices add extra flavor to the soup.
- Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are what make the soup hearty and filling. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: These seasonings are key to bringing all the flavors together. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, especially if your broth is low-sodium.
- Fresh Spinach: Adding spinach not only gives a pop of color but also a boost of nutrients. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even whole milk.
How to make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and add the tortellini. Let it simmer until the tortellini is tender.
Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Variations
- Swap the Sausage: If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage or just want to switch things up, try using ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add More Veggies: Bulk up the soup by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This is a great way to get more veggies into your meal while adding different textures.
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the veggies.
- Try a Different Pasta: While tortellini is delicious, you could also use mini ravioli, gnocchi, or even regular pasta like penne or rotini.
- Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a warm, crusty loaf of bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up all that creamy broth.
- Top with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish and a bit of extra richness to each bowl.
- With Garlic Knots: You could try these Homemade Garlic Knots for a twist on the original garlic bread.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. It makes the meal feel a bit more special, and you can eat the bowl when you’re done!
- Pair with a Salad: A simple green salad is a great way to add some freshness to your meal and balance out the richness of the soup. Try my Grilled Peach Salad.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
This soup freezes well, but you’ll want to do it before adding the tortellini and cream. Freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and then add the tortellini and cream just before serving.
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Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooking can make it mushy, so add it towards the end and cook just until tender.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and blends nicely into the soup. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid adding excess water to the soup.
- Brown the Sausage Well: Browning the sausage properly adds a lot of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step—let the sausage cook until it’s nicely browned.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and sausage, you may need to add more or less.
- Serve Immediately After Adding Cream: Once you add the cream, serve the soup right away for the best texture. The cream can separate if the soup is reheated too many times, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Recommended
More Easy Comfort Meals
FAQ
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Cozy up with this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 stalk celery sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14oz
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini 9-oz
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and add the tortellini. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Cook for another minute, just until the spinach wilts.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooking can make it mushy, so add it towards the end and cook just until tender.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and blends nicely into the soup. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid adding excess water to the soup.
Brown the Sausage Well: Browning the sausage properly adds a lot of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step, let the sausage cook until it’s nicely browned.
Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and sausage, you may need to add more or less.
Serve Immediately After Adding Cream: Once you add the cream, serve the soup right away for the best texture. The cream can separate if the soup is reheated too many times, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
Calories: 735kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 29gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 2067mgPotassium: 582mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5488IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 244mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Made this for dinner for my husband and I. Total hit, can’t wait to have the leftovers tomorrow. It’s such and easy and delicious soup.
It’s a favorite in our house too! So glad you liked it.
This soup looks great! I am bookmarking it to make when the weather gets a little cooler – something to look forward to when the leaves are falling.
Yes!!!! I hope you love it.