If you are craving a bowl of warmth that’s both comforting and packed with vibrant flavors, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with pillowy cheese tortellini and fresh spinach, all swimming in a luscious tomato-based broth with a hint of cream. This soup is not only the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings but also incredibly easy to make, delivering layers of deliciousness with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to unlocking the rich, comforting taste of this soup. Each addition plays a crucial role in balancing the hearty sausage, silky tortellini, and fresh greens with a savory tomato cream broth that will make your heart sing.
- Italian sausage (½ lb): Choose savory or spicy for a flavorful, meaty base that adds depth.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can): Brings brightness and a lovely tang that complements the sausage.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides the warm, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
- Cheese tortellini (1 cup): These tender pasta pockets add both texture and that cheesy indulgence.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup): Adds a burst of color, freshness, and a nutritional boost.
- Cream (½ cup): Creates a silky, rich finish that rounds out the tomato broth beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for browning the sausage and enhancing flavor.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This process not only renders flavorful fat but also gives the soup a meaty foundation rich in aroma.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld into a delicious, savory broth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Stir carefully so the delicate pasta doesn’t stick to the pot. Cook until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, usually about 5 minutes depending on package instructions. This step adds that comforting pasta element everyone loves.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Lower the heat and gently stir in the cream and fresh spinach leaves. Let the soup simmer for another 3 minutes, just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the cream to enrich the broth. The result is a beautifully balanced, creamy, and vibrant soup.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the soup’s presentation and flavor. These little touches add extra brightness and a hint of complexity that will wow anyone sitting at your table.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the rich flavors and make your meal feel even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls, turning every bite into an experience. Or try layering a bowl with fresh herbs on top and a swirl of cream for an Instagram-worthy finish that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavors and creamy texture. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe at a later date, freezing is an option, though it’s best to freeze before adding the cream and spinach to preserve their freshness. Freeze the soup in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When thawing, add the cream and spinach fresh to keep the soup vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to warm everything evenly. If reheating leftovers with crema and spinach already mixed in, do so carefully to avoid curdling the cream and overcooking the spinach.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can work well to lighten the dish. Just make sure to choose a flavorful variety, and you might want to add extra seasoning to keep that bold taste in your soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swapping the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms can make this a delicious vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully meat-free version.
Can I substitute fresh tortellini with frozen or dried tortellini?
Both frozen and dried tortellini can be used. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—frozen tortellini cooks quickly like fresh, while dried tortellini usually takes a few minutes longer to become tender.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
Using spicy Italian sausage is the easiest way to add some heat. Alternatively, stirring in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving will give the soup a pleasant spicy kick.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the cream and spinach to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, adding cream and spinach in the last 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It blends hearty, creamy, and fresh flavors in a way that’s easy to pull off any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
A cozy, creamy Italian soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a rich tomato and chicken broth base.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ lb Italian sausage
Vegetables & Broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
Pasta
- 1 cup cheese tortellini
Dairy & Oils
- ½ cup cream (heavy or whipping cream)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes depending on package instructions.
- Add cream and spinach: Lower the heat and stir in the cream and fresh spinach leaves. Simmer gently for an additional 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
- Using spicy Italian sausage adds a nice depth and a bit of heat to the soup.
- Feel free to substitute fresh tortellini with frozen, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
