Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

This creamy sausage tortellini soup transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious one-pot wonder that's become my ultimate weeknight savior. The rich, garlicky broth cradles tender tortellini and savory sausage, creating a restaurant-quality meal that takes just 35 minutes from start to finish.

I first created this soup during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet impressive for unexpected dinner guests. The empty bowls and requests for seconds confirmed it would become a permanent fixture in my recipe collection.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: Brings robust flavor as the foundation of the soup choose mild or spicy based on your preference
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth that balances the richness of the cream
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide aromatic punch always opt for fresh over jarred for best flavor
• Low sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base while allowing you to control the salt level
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the broth with classic herbs in one convenient addition
• Cheese tortellini: Offers pillowy pockets of cheesy goodness that make the soup truly satisfying
• Heavy cream: Transforms the broth into something luxuriously silky and indulgent
• Fresh spinach: Adds color nutrition and a pleasant texture contrast to the rich soup
• Parmesan cheese: Provides the perfect finishing touch with its nutty salty bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat your large pot over medium heat then add the sausage breaking it into smaller chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned with crispy edges about 6 to 8 minutes. The fond that develops on the bottom of the pot is pure flavor so embrace it. Remove the cooked sausage to a paper towel lined plate but leave the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Add the diced onion to the sausage drippings and sauté until translucent and soft about 3 to 4 minutes. If your sausage was lean add a tablespoon of olive oil to help the onions cook properly. Once the onions are soft add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds be careful not to let it brown as it can become bitter.

Develop the Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with your spoon to release all the browned bits these contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your soup. Add the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper then bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Tortellini:

Once the broth is simmering add your cheese tortellini directly to the pot. Allow them to cook in the flavorful broth according to package directions generally 5 to 7 minutes for refrigerated tortellini and slightly longer for frozen. They should be tender but still have a pleasant bite.

Create Creaminess:

Reduce the heat to low then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This prevents the cream from separating and creates a velvety texture throughout the soup. Let it simmer very gently for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add Finishing Touches:

Add the fresh chopped spinach and stir until it just wilts into the hot soup about 1 minute. Then return the cooked sausage to the pot stirring gently to incorporate without breaking up the tender tortellini. Taste and adjust seasonings adding more salt pepper or Italian seasoning if needed.

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The Italian sausage is truly the star ingredient in this soup. I discovered this after experimenting with different proteins one winter when my family requested something different from our usual chicken soups. The way the sausage flavors infuse the entire broth creates a depth that's impossible to achieve with other ingredients.

Make-Ahead Options

This soup can be partially prepared in advance to make weeknight cooking even easier. Brown the sausage and prepare the broth base up to two days ahead, storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup base, add the tortellini, cream, and spinach, and dinner will be ready in just 15 minutes. The flavors actually develop and improve with a little time, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy households.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes personalization based on what you have available. Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully for a lighter option, while kale can replace spinach for a heartier green that holds its texture longer. Dairy free options are possible too – full fat coconut milk or cashew cream can replace the heavy cream for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just remember that plant based alternatives may not thicken in quite the same way as traditional dairy.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is certainly hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, a few complementary sides can create a memorable dinner experience. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. For a lighter accompaniment, try a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. When serving for guests, individual soup bowls garnished with fresh basil, a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, and additional freshly grated Parmesan create an impressive presentation.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup 1-2 days ahead, but it's best to add the tortellini when reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

The soup base freezes well, but it's recommended to freeze it without the cream, tortellini, and spinach. Add these fresh ingredients when reheating for the best texture and flavor. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to maintain creaminess). For dairy-free options, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

While cheese tortellini provides the perfect pillowy texture and flavor, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like orecchiette, small shells, or even ravioli. Adjust cooking time according to package directions for your chosen pasta.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the creamy broth.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, add red pepper flakes to taste when sautéing the garlic, or incorporate a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking. You can also serve with crushed red pepper flakes on the side for individual heat adjustment.