Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach in a luscious broth that’s both creamy and satisfying. It’s one of those go-to meals when you want something cozy without too much fuss. With each spoonful, the rich flavors of seasoned sausage and the subtle zing of Italian herbs come together perfectly, making it a standout weeknight dinner or anytime treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to this soup’s layered flavors and delightful textures. Each item contributes something special, from the savory sausage to the creamy touch of heavy cream, and the fresh pop of spinach that adds a beautiful color and nutrition boost.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a subtle fruity base to start the soup.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings a flavorful, meaty heartiness that defines the soup.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers that unmistakable aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuse the soup with traditional Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your taste.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful and comforting base of the soup.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and bright color to balance the creaminess.
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The tender pasta packets filled with cheese are the soul of this soup.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Brings freshness, nutrients, and a lovely green vibrancy.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with rich creaminess that feels indulgent but is sooo worth it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Provides a salty finish and a touch of elegance.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned. This step is where you build that savory, juicy foundation that will carry the whole soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, drain any excess grease if necessary, then add diced onion to the pot. Cook it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and releases its sweet aroma. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, letting these fragrant flavors meld for about a minute.
Step 3: Creating the Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring everything to a lively boil before lowering the heat and letting the soup simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering melds flavors thoughtfully, giving the broth a rich, nuanced taste that feels like a warm embrace.
Step 4: Cooking the Tortellini and Adding Spinach
Next up, toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Once the tortellini are tender and have soaked up some of that delicious broth, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt gently, adding a crisp burst of green goodness both visually and nutritionally.
Step 5: Creamy Finale
Finally, reduce your heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This creamy addition transforms the soup into something silky and indulgent. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Now it’s ready to be served piping hot and topped with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of magic.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re aiming to impress or simply elevate your meal, don’t skip the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts divinely into the hot soup, while a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add brightness. For a pop of color and freshness, a few torn basil leaves or thinly sliced scallions work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess nicely, making your whole meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls to delight guests at a casual dinner party. Layer bowls with a swirl of pesto before ladling in the soup for an herby surprise. Even topping with toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta can add unexpected texture and flavor that will make the dish uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The tortellini may soak up some broth upon standing, so when reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the tortellini texture might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the broth and sausage mixture separately, and add fresh tortellini when reheating. If freezing as a whole, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, add a bit of chicken broth or water to bring back that perfect soup consistency. Avoid high heat which can cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It may have a milder flavor, so consider boosting the Italian seasoning slightly if you like.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can, by substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms and using vegetable broth. The soup will still be delicious, though the flavor profile will change a bit.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is ideal since it cooks quickly and adds creamy pockets of flavor. You can experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties too, depending on your preferences.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead option. Just reheat gently before serving and add fresh Parmesan or garnishes last minute to keep the flavors bright.
How spicy is this soup if I include red pepper flakes?
With 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, the soup has a gentle kick that warms the palate without overpowering. You can always adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a heartfelt hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, brimming with flavor, and comforting enough to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try soon, and I promise, it’ll quickly become a favorite you’re excited to share with family and friends.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and creamy Italian-American soup perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich broth finished with cream and Parmesan, this one-pot dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Add-ins
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid grease buildup.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add greens and cream: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then gently mix in the heavy cream to add richness.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Kale can be used instead of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage to add extra heat to the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
