Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under 45 minutes! Imagine twirling your spoon through a rich, creamy broth, studded with plump, cheese-filled tortellini and savory Italian sausage. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave something deeply satisfying.

Tortellini, those delightful little pasta rings, have a fascinating history rooted in the Emilia region of Italy. Legend has it that they were inspired by the goddess Venus’s navel! Whether that’s true or not, they’ve become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine and beyond. Combining them with sausage in a creamy soup elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes creamy sausage tortellini soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy broth is rich and decadent, the sausage adds a savory depth, and the tortellini provide a delightful chewiness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe is a weeknight winner, offering a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s no wonder this soup is a family favorite, guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Browning the Sausage and Aromatics

Get started by browning the sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don’t have large chunks in your soup.
Remove excess grease. Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease from the pot. This will help prevent the soup from being too oily. You can use a spoon to carefully scoop out the grease or pour it off into a heat-safe container.
Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma will be amazing!

Building the Soup Base

Add the liquids and tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained) to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring to a simmer. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Incorporate the spinach. After simmering, add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach to the soup. Stir it in well to distribute it evenly. Squeezing the spinach dry is crucial to prevent the soup from becoming watery.

Cooking the Tortellini and Finishing Touches

Add the tortellini. Add the cheese tortellini to the soup and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.
Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Don’t let the soup boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
Season to taste. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Serving and Garnishing

Serve immediately. Ladle the creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls.
Garnish and enjoy! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup!

Tips and Variations

Sausage Options: You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. For a leaner option, use Italian chicken or turkey sausage.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you don’t like spice, omit them altogether.
Broth Variations: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations: Use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, in addition to Parmesan.
Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy soup, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Make it Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the tortellini just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the tortellini may change slightly. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It is best to add the cream after thawing and reheating.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini to make this soup gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer alternative. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

Italian Sausage: The quality of your Italian sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Look for sausage that is made with high-quality pork and seasoned with traditional Italian spices. If you can find it, fresh Italian sausage from a local butcher is always a great option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but regular olive oil will also work.
Onion: Yellow onions are a good all-purpose onion for this soup. They provide a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. One clove of garlic is roughly equivalent to 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the soup. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade chicken broth is always a great option, but store-bought broth works well too. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the soup.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient way to add tomato flavor to the soup. Use diced tomatoes with their juice for the best flavor.
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is a convenient and affordable way to add spinach to the soup. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the soup.
Cheese Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is readily available in most grocery stores. Look for tortellini that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good cheese filling.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the soup will not be as creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best, but you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese in a pinch.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup. Use flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.

Troubleshooting

Soup is too thick: Add more chicken broth to thin it out.
Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
Soup is too salty: Add a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also add a peeled potato to the soup while it simmers, as the potato will absorb some of the salt. Remove the potato before serving.
Soup is not flavorful enough: Add more Italian seasoning, garlic, or Parmesan cheese. You can also add a splash of white wine or a bay leaf to enhance the flavor.
Tortellini are overcooked: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. Cook them according to the package directions, and check them frequently to make sure they are not becoming mushy.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the savory browned sausage to the tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy broth, every spoonful is an experience. I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, especially on those chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and satisfying.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sausage provides a hearty, meaty base, while the tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and cheesy goodness. The creamy broth ties everything together, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Looking for serving suggestions? A crusty loaf of bread is an absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the soup beautifully. And for a truly decadent experience, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.

Now, let’s talk variations! If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables, spinach, kale, or even chopped zucchini would be fantastic additions. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they’re wilted and tender. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. And if you’re watching your calorie intake, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a lighter cream alternative. You can even use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork for a leaner version. The possibilities are endless!

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I’ve made it countless times, and each time I tweak it slightly based on what I have on hand and what I’m craving.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a potluck gathering. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its rich flavor and comforting warmth.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your culinary adventures. Your feedback helps me improve my recipes and inspire other home cooks. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is waiting to become your new favorite comfort food. Happy cooking!

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe