If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Bursting with rich flavors from Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy broth, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. With fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, plus a sprinkle of Parmesan to finish, this soup is as satisfying as it is beautiful. It’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve poured hours of love and care into each bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to creating this soup’s perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s building depth or adding creaminess and texture.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, it adds a fruity richness to the base.
- Italian sausage: The star protein that brings bold and savory spice to the soup.
- Small onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation when cooked down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of warmth and depth with every bite.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that carries all the ingredients and keeps the soup light yet satisfying.
- Dried basil: Brings a delicate peppery and slightly sweet herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian earthiness that complements the sausage brilliantly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and brightness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth rich and indulgent without overwhelming the dish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft pockets of cheesy goodness that soak up the flavorful broth.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Adds a burst of color and a gentle, fresh earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect salty topping to finish each bowl gracefully.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon to create bite-sized pieces. This step is where all that wonderful savory flavor really begins to build.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing sweet aromatics that blend perfectly with the sausage browning.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything so the herbs evenly distribute in the liquid, setting up a fragrant, inviting base for the soup.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring this mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmering melds the flavors together, creating a savory, aromatic broth full of character.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Add the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. The cream softens the broth into a silky, luscious texture that perfectly balances the boldness of the sausage and herbs.
Step 6: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook it according to the package instructions — usually just a few minutes — until tender and tenderly tenderly filled with cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they gently wilt, adding a fresh, vibrant touch of color and a hint of healthy greens that lift the whole dish.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Then, ladle it into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling additional grated Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant and delicious garnish. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a fun, spicy kick if you like things a bit fiery.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every flavorful drop or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing contrast. Garlic breadsticks or a warm focaccia also make wonderful sides to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup family-style in a large, beautiful pot that invites everyone to help themselves. If entertaining, individual bowls topped with a parmesan crisp or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can make the presentation extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Although the soup tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers without the tortellini to prevent textural changes. Freeze the soup base separately and add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh tortellini or spinach during reheating if you froze them separately.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter option that will still bring great flavor and texture to the soup, making it equally delicious but with less fat.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. This will give you a rich, satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture and color, but you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well before stirring it into the soup to avoid extra liquid.
How spicy is this soup?
The recipe has a mild warmth from the Italian sausage’s spices. If you prefer it spicier, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything except the cream and tortellini into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then stir in cream and cooked tortellini before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly a special meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day. With its rich layers of flavor, creamy broth, and wholesome ingredients, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—you’re going to absolutely love every delicious spoonful.
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with herbs, this soup comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook sausage: Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion becomes softened and translucent, enhancing the soup’s base flavors.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Cook tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes or until tender.
- Incorporate spinach: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for perfect seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just increase the quantity accordingly.
- This soup freezes well but is best if cheese tortellini is added fresh when reheating.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
