Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 package (9–12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

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If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This soup blends the irresistible flavors of spicy or mild Italian sausage with tender cheese-filled tortellini, all immersed in a rich and velvety broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekend dinners, this recipe offers a delightful balance of heartiness and creaminess that will make you savor every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or want a comforting dish to share with family and friends, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board with fresh vegetables, including two orange carrots, two celery stalks, a bunch of green leaves, one whole white garlic bulb, and a yellow onion. Next to the cutting board are two clear glass bowls, one filled with yellow pasta and the other with ground meat. There is also a white bowl with milk, alongside small containers holding spices, salt, and an orange cube of cheese. A glass jug with light green broth is in the front. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this soup lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial part— from the savory Italian sausage that gives depth, to the fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrients, and the tender tortellini delivering delightful texture. These simple ingredients come together quickly to create a beautifully balanced dish that’s anything but ordinary.

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): This adds the perfect savory and slightly spicy kick that forms the heart of the soup.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and soften the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness.
1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with its signature aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs providing classic Italian flair and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of earthiness without overpowering the dish.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a touch of heat and sharpness to balance the creaminess.
6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together with a savory richness.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Introduces subtle acidity and texture, brightening the soup.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky broth that makes this soup so indulgent.
1 package (9–12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft-filled pasta that adds comforting heartiness and delightful bite.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Provides freshness, color, and a nutritious touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional: Sprinkle on top for a salty, nutty finish that elevates every spoonful.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. This step is crucial for building depth in the soup as the sausage releases its flavorful fat. Once the meat is cooked through and nicely browned, drain any excess fat to keep the broth rich but not greasy. Then, toss in the diced onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. This slow gentle sautéing unlocks the sweetness in onions, forming a delicious base. Finally, add your minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant, awakening the senses.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Simmer

Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. You’ll notice the vibrant colors coming together, creating an inviting aromatic soup base. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the tomatoes softening and infusing their sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the sausage.

Step 3: Stir in Cream and Tortellini

After your broth has simmered and developed a robust flavor, slowly stir in the heavy cream. This is where the soup transforms into that cherished creamy dream everyone loves. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini as well, and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Just a little tip: keep the heat moderate to avoid boiling vigorously once the cream is added, preventing any unpleasant curdling from happening.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Final Touches

Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt into the hot soup for about 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach adds a lovely freshness and nutritional boost, perfectly balancing the richness of the cream and sausage. At this stage, give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup piping hot, and if you like, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top to add an extra layer of savory goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing your soup is a wonderful way to add texture and a flavor punch to every spoonful. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts delicately over the hot soup, offering a satisfyingly cheesy finish. Fresh basil or parsley leaves bring vibrant green color and a touch of herbal brightness, while a drizzle of good quality olive oil can add luxurious silkiness. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat to complement the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Though this soup is quite filling on its own, pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast is simply irresistible. The crunchy bread is perfect for soaking up leftover creamy broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can bring a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, lightening up the meal without detracting from the main event. Even roasted vegetables or a plate of antipasto would beautifully accompany this Italian-American comfort dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a twirl of freshly ground black pepper on top. You can place a few whole tortellini on the surface for visual appeal, showing off the cheesy centers. Try serving it in mini soup crocks for an elegant touch when entertaining guests, or ladle it into bread bowls, turning the bread itself into part of the meal. These small presentation details can elevate your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe from comforting home meal to impressive dinner party starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down and transfer it into an airtight container to maintain freshness. One thing to remember is that the soup thickens as it sits due to the tortellini and cream, so it might look more dense when reheated.

Freezing

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the broth and sausage separately from the cooked tortellini and spinach if possible. Freezing tortellini can sometimes lead to a softer texture when thawed. Store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, labeling with a date so you can enjoy your soup at its best.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. To bring back the perfect creamy consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or water as the soup heats up to loosen it if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from sticking or curdling. Avoid microwaving on high heat to keep that silky smooth texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a lighter version of the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as turkey sausage is generally milder than traditional Italian sausage.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini in place of meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup remains creamy and delicious.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind this will slightly change the richness and flavor. Use carefully to avoid curdling.

What type of tortellini works best?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is best for this recipe as it cooks quickly and melts into the creamy broth perfectly. Frozen tortellini can be used but may require a bit more cooking time.

How spicy is this soup if I use mild sausage?

With mild Italian sausage, the soup tenderly balances creamy richness and savory flavors with very minimal heat. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes to increase spiciness to your preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a warm bowl filled with the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. The comforting textures, deep flavors, and creamy broth make it a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect any time of year. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup promises to deliver that cozy hug from the inside out. So grab your ingredients, invite some good company, and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this delightful recipe!