Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort! This creamy tortellini soup is a weeknight wonder, delivering rich, hearty flavors in every spoonful. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. Forget bland dinners; this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table quickly and easily. You’ll love how simple it is to create this delightful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Hearty & Satisfying: Each bowl of this creamy tortellini soup feels like a comforting hug, perfect for chilly evenings.
• One-Pot Friendly: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup, making your dinner routine even easier.
• Quick Dinner Solution: From start to finish, you can have this delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
• Flavorful & Cozy: The blend of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich cream creates an irresistible taste.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

To craft this incredibly satisfying tortellini soup, gather these fresh and flavorful components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the soup’s rich depth and comforting appeal.

• Protein: 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
• Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed or chopped
• Tomato Base: One 6-oz. can tomato paste
• Liquid & Thickener: 1/2 cup chicken broth; ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Broth: 6-7 cups chicken broth
• Pasta: 14 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Creaminess: 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
• Greens: 1 handful chopped fresh spinach
• Garnish: Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving

Notes & Substitutions

You have options to customize this fantastic soup! Feel free to switch out the mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage if you enjoy a kick, or use ground turkey or a plant-based sausage for a lighter take. For the creamy element, whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat or cashew milk can replace half and half, though the soup will be slightly thinner. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version, and always opt for low sodium if you’re watching salt intake. While refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, frozen tortellini works too; just follow package directions for cooking time. Enhance your tortellini soup with extra veggies like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or chopped kale. .

Equipment

You won’t need a lot of special tools to create this delicious soup. Gather these basics from your kitchen, and you’ll be ready to go!

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup in one pot.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up sausage.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For preparing your fresh vegetables efficiently.

Instructions

Making this creamy sausage tortellini soup is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps for a delicious and comforting meal.

1. Prep Vegetables: Begin by dicing your yellow onion, celery stalks, and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and set all prepped vegetables aside. This makes cooking smooth and easy.
2. Brown Sausage: Place a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground mild Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with your wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the sausage is mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed fennel seed. Add the tomato paste. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color. This helps to toast the spices and develop rich flavors for your tortellini soup.
5. Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to release any browned bits, which are full of flavor. Let the chicken broth cook out for a few minutes until most of the alcohol has evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated flavor.
6. Thicken Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute. The mixture will become thick and pasty.
7. Simmer Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen.Understanding the culinary history of tortellini can add a deeper appreciation to this classic dish.
8. Add Cream: Stir in the half and half or heavy cream, incorporating it completely. Bring the soup back to a low simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
9. Cook Tortellini & Greens: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the simmering soup. Cook only until the tortellini is al dente, usually just a few minutes, following the package directions. The spinach will wilt quickly into the soup.
10. Serve: Ladle the hot creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These expert tips help you create the best creamy sausage tortellini soup every time.

• Perfect Sausage Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the sausage. If necessary, cook it in batches to ensure it browns nicely rather than steaming. This develops deep flavor.
• Prevent Flour Lumps: When adding broth, pour it in slowly while whisking constantly. This creates a smooth, lump-free base for your soup.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes to reduce slightly, but be careful not to overcook the tortellini.
• Avoid Overcooking: Tortellini cooks quickly, especially refrigerated varieties. Add it in the final stages and cook only until al dente to keep it from getting mushy. Spinach also wilts rapidly, so add it at the same time as the tortellini.
• Boost Flavor: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can make a big difference. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten flavors.
• Manage Heat: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the cream to prevent it from scorching or separating. Never bring it to a rolling boil once the cream is added.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile tortellini soup is delightful on its own, but these tips will elevate your meal, keep leftovers fresh, and inspire new twists.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this heartwarming creamy sausage tortellini soup with a side of crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dipping into the rich broth. A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect counterbalance to the soup’s richness. Always offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the table for guests to customize their bowls.

Storage Instructions

Allow your creamy sausage tortellini soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Freezing can alter the texture of the tortellini, making it a bit mushy upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to individual portions before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based ground sausage alternative and use vegetable broth.
• Different Proteins: Try ground chicken, ground beef, or even cooked lentils for a different protein profile in your soup.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or extra zucchini when sautéing the aromatics. Hearty greens like kale also work wonderfully.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a touch of heat, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
• Cheese: Experiment with different tortellini fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, or stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese at the end for an extra gooey texture.

Nutrition Information

This creamy sausage tortellini soup offers a blend of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, providing a satisfying and energy-rich meal. While specific nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, it generally provides a good source of protein from the sausage and tortellini, along with vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using an online calculator and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This is for informational purposes only.

FAQ

• Can I make this tortellini soup ahead? You can prepare the base of the soup (sausage, vegetables, broth) a day in advance. Add the cream, tortellini, and spinach just before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Is it freezer-friendly? The soup base freezes well, but the tortellini can become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and cook fresh tortellini when reheating.
• Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can! Just add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, typically a few minutes longer than refrigerated tortellini.
• How to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for thickening and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most refrigerated tortellini contains wheat, so look for gluten-free tortellini options.
• Can I make it dairy-free? You can use a plant-based milk alternative like oat or cashew milk instead of half and half, and seek out dairy-free tortellini or replace it with a gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is truly a recipe to treasure. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something profoundly comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, its rich flavors and hearty texture will leave everyone feeling nourished and happy. Give this delightful recipe a try; we’re confident it will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience and creations with us!

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This creamy tortellini soup with Italian sausage, spinach, carrots, and cheesy tortellini delivers cozy, hearty flavors in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights and chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp kosher sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp fennel seed, crushed or chopped
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (for deglazing)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (for soup base)
• 14 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
• 1 handful fresh spinach, chopped
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Equipment

• large stockpot or Dutch oven
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• sharp knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic and set all vegetables aside.
2. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, and tomato paste. Cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup broth to deglaze. Scrape bottom of pot to release flavor bits.
6. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to thicken base.
7. Gradually add remaining 6 cups broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
8. Stir in half and half or cream. Simmer gently — do not boil.
9. Add tortellini and spinach. Cook until tortellini is al dente, about 3–5 minutes.
10. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Use hot Italian sausage for more spice, or try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Replace half and half with cashew or oat milk for a dairy-free version. To freeze, store the soup base without tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.