Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly nights or cozy dinners. With rich Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy broth infused with garlic, herbs, and vegetables, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s satisfying, quick to prepare, and ideal for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)cheese tortellinioniongarliccarrotscelerychicken brothheavy creamcrushed tomatoesItalian seasoningbaby spinachsalt and pepperolive oil
directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed.
Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach.
Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes
Variations
Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use mushroom tortellini for an earthy twist.
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.Avoid freezing if using fresh tortellini, as the texture may change.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What type of sausage is best?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but you can also use chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I make this soup ahead?
Yes, but cook the tortellini separately and add when reheating to prevent sogginess.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not typically, but you can use gluten-free tortellini and broth to adapt it.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth and plant-based tortellini.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little flour for thickening.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is optional; just make sure they are scrubbed clean.
Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
How can I thicken the soup?
Simmer a bit longer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, but tortellini adds a unique texture and flavor—other filled pastas can work too.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a soul-warming dish packed with flavor and texture, thanks to savory sausage, cheesy pasta, and creamy broth. It’s quick to make, easily adaptable, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it with crusty bread and enjoy a satisfying, cozy bowl any day of the week.
PrintCreamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A rich and comforting soup featuring sausage, cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato-based broth — perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring soup to a simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually about 5–7 minutes) until al dente.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and spinach (if using). Warm the soup through for 2–3 minutes, without boiling.
- Adjust seasoning, then serve hot garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Substitute half‑and‑half for heavy cream if preferred.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Freeze leftovers without cream; add cream when reheating.