Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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If you are on the hunt for a soul-soothing, rich, and irresistibly tasty meal, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, combining the savory goodness of Italian sausage, the delicate tenderness of cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy tomato broth that makes every spoonful dreamy and fulfilling. Perfect for chilly evenings when comfort food is a non-negotiable, this soup is a one-pot wonder that impresses without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a clear jug filled with light yellow broth. Next to it, a white bowl holds yellow pasta pieces. A small white bowl contains a white liquid, likely cream, while a white bowl above it has ground meat with a pinkish color. Seasonings like salt and pepper are placed in small clear containers near the top right. A wooden board on the right side holds fresh vegetables including three orange carrots, two celery stalks, a bunch of green parsley, a whole garlic bulb, and a brown onion. There is also a small block of orange cheese on a white plate nearby. Everything is cleanly arranged with no clutter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients often bring about the most magical dishes, and this soup is no exception. Each component plays a key role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that turns a humble soup into a masterpiece worth savoring.

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds rich, savory depth and a wonderful protein punch to the soup.
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed): Helps to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables without sticking.
1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and body to the broth as it cooks down.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with that signature Italian aroma and subtle bite.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Provides a gentle herbal undertone complementing the tomato base.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to awaken the palate if you like a little spice.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Offers bright acidity and chunkiness for texture contrast.
4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
1 cup heavy cream: The magic touch that makes this soup irresistibly creamy and smooth.
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Tender pasta pockets full of cheesy goodness.
2 cups fresh spinach or kale: Adds a fresh, green pop and boosts the soup’s nutritional value.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A finishing touch that adds nutty, salty complexity.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This process unleashes the sausage’s flavorful oils and creates a fantastic base for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

If there’s excess grease in the pot, drain some off, then toss in the diced onion. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. The softened onion adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Then add the tomato paste. Cook this fragrant mixture for about a minute to unlock the aromatic qualities of the herbs and garlic while slightly caramelizing the paste for a richer taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices alongside the chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This step starts building the heart of the broth with that nice tomato acidity balanced by the savory broth.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This quiet simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious and comforting broth that sets the stage for the creamy addition.

Step 6: Add Heavy Cream

Once the broth has developed, stir in the heavy cream. This is where the soup truly becomes creamy and indulgent, enveloping each ingredient in luscious silkiness that’s impossible to resist.

Step 7: Cook the Tortellini

Next, add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. As they cook, the tortellini absorb the savory broth, turning every bite into a cheesy, comforting delight.

Step 8: Finish with Greens and Seasoning

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach or kale and cook just until wilted. This adds a fresh, vibrant color and lightness that balances the richness. Season your soup generously with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to achieve perfection.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy orange sauce, layered generously with plump tortellini pasta pieces that are smooth and shiny. The sauce is thick and has visible small chunks of green herbs and bits of browned meat scattered evenly throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin and a piece of bread partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A bowl of this soup deserves a crowning glory. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty boost, and if you want, a few flakes of crushed red pepper for added warmth. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of fresh chopped basil can elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Rustic garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. Simple roasted vegetables make a balanced and hearty accompaniment too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve this soup directly in small bread bowls or mini cocottes for individual portions that impress your guests. Swirling in a dollop of pesto or a little cream on top creates lovely visual appeal, while adding fresh herbs as a finishing touch can make the dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze in portion-sized containers, but keep in mind the tortellini may soften slightly upon thawing. For best texture retention, you might consider freezing the broth and sausage mixture separately from the tortellini and adding the pasta fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Be careful not to overcook to maintain the tortellini’s tender texture and the cream’s silky smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, usually adding an extra minute or two. They’ll soak up the soup’s flavors just as beautifully.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps everything vegetarian while maintaining hearty depth.

Can I make this soup less creamy?

If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying but gentler on calories and richness.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level depends on the sausage you choose and whether you include the crushed red pepper flakes. Using mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage and pepper flakes add a nice kick that awakens your taste buds.

What other vegetables could I add?

Feel free to sneak in extras like diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition and texture. Just add them when you’re cooking the onions so they have time to soften and meld with the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with contentment. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a cozy solo dinner, I highly encourage you to give this one a try. Once you do, I’m confident it will become a much-loved staple in your recipe rotation, bringing warmth and joy to many meals to come.