This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! With flavorful sausage and soft tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy broth, it’s sure to warm your heart.
Every spoonful makes me smile! It’s like a hug in a bowl. I love making this on chilly days when all I want is something comforting. Serve it with bread for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can use either mild or spicy sausage to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken sausage works well as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: For a rich, creamy texture, heavy cream is best. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the soup will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and nutrients. If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. If you want to save some calories, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free substitute. Other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano would also work well.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
Getting the flavors right in this soup is key! Start by browning the sausage well. This creates a rich base for the soup. Don’t rush—let it develop color.
- Cook the onions until soft, as they add sweetness. Then, sauté the garlic just until fragrant; burning it can make it bitter.
- When adding the cream and spinach, keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream. Stir gently to mix everything well.
- Taste as you mix! Adjust seasoning to your liking with salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors too.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy sausage tortellini soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick dish that makes for a cozy dinner, perfect for chilly days. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll have a warm bowl of comfort ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If the sausage is particularly lean, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Once the sausage is cooked, feel free to drain any excess fat if you want, but leaving a bit adds extra flavor. Then, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a few minutes.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and fluffy.
5. Stir in Cream and Spinach:
Lower the heat a bit and then stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is nice and hot.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until it melts into the creamy broth. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you like. Serve it warm, preferably with a piece of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty and comforting creamy sausage tortellini soup!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the soup without thawing. You may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes until they’re heated through and tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
If you want to make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor as well!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Sure! Feel free to add any vegetables you love. Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great options. Just add them in the sauté stage with the onions for the best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.