Description
This rich and comforting sausage tortellini soup features Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, a medley of vegetables, and a creamy tomato broth. It’s a flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for an easy dinner with a touch of Italian flair.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pantry
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed to prevent the soup from being too oily.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes, until tender and heated through.
- Add greens and cream: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and heavy cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt and the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Finalize seasoning: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for variety and different textures.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Tortellini will soften as the soup sits—best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
- If reheating, add extra chicken broth or water since the soup tends to thicken upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
