This Creamy Sausage Tortellini soup is rich and hearty yet surprisingly easy to make. It’s a winner if you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with friends. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for when you need something filling but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

This soup is a versatile dish that brings together the best of Italian and American comfort food. It’s great for any time of year, but it really shines when the weather starts to cool down. The combination of sausage, tortellini, and spinach makes it satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterward—a big win in my book!

Why you’ll love this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Simple Yet Flavorful:
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a soup that’s bursting with flavor. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while the cheese tortellini and cream make it rich and satisfying.
Quick to Prepare:
You can have this soup on the table in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special without requiring too much effort.
Versatile and Customizable:
Whether you want to add more veggies, swap out the tortellini for another pasta, or lighten it up with milk instead of cream, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your tastes.

A Bowl of Comfort

There’s just something so comforting about the flavors in this soup. The hearty sausage, the creamy broth, and the tender tortellini all come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s one of those meals that I turn to when I want something filling and satisfying. Plus, the spinach gives it a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the whole dish. I love how easy it is to make, but even more, I love how it makes me feel—like I’m wrapped up in a cozy blanket, even on the coldest days.

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 with a light vinaigrette is a great way to add some freshness to your meal and balance out the richness of the soup.
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.

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FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when simmering the tortellini in the soup.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The soup will still be creamy, just a bit lighter.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Just be sure to chop it finely so it blends well with the soup.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions, carrots, and celery.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
To prevent curdling, make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add the cream. Lower the heat and stir in the cream slowly.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup thickens up too much, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the tortellini, spinach, and cream. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, add the tortellini, and cook for another 30 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cream just before serving.