Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a cozy, comforting bowl filled with tender cheese-filled tortellini, spicy sausage, and a rich, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple but packed with flavor, making it perfect for when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.
I love making this soup when I need a quick, satisfying meal that everyone in the family enjoys. The sausage adds a little kick, but it’s balanced perfectly by the creamy broth and the soft, pillowy tortellini. One of my favorite parts is how the flavors come together so easily – a few basic ingredients can turn into something that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
My go-to way to serve this soup is with a bit of crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad on the side. It’s also great for making ahead because the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. This soup feels like the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds the main flavor and a nice spice level. For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage or ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs. Vegetarian? Try plant-based sausage or mushrooms for earthiness.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini creates the soft, chewy texture that’s key here. Fresh or refrigerated works best because it cooks quickly. You can swap with ravioli or small dumplings if needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a mild green flavor. If fresh isn’t available, use frozen spinach—just thaw and drain well before adding.
Heavy Cream: This makes the broth rich and creamy. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but skip the full-fat cream to keep soup creamy but lighter.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan deepens the flavor and adds a salty finish. Pecorino Romano can be a great swap, or skip if dairy-free, but add a pinch of nutritional yeast for umami.
How Do I Cook the Sausage and Keep It Flavorful Without Making It Dry?
Cooking the sausage right is important to keep your soup tasty.
- Start with medium heat to gently brown the sausage without burning it.
- Break it up into small pieces as it cooks so it’s evenly browned and flavorful.
- Remove the sausage early to prevent overcooking when you add it back later.
- Use the same pot to cook onions and garlic after to soak up those lovely browned bits left behind.
This method keeps the sausage juicy and helps build deep flavor for the whole soup.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning sausage and simmering the soup all in one place.
- Slotted spoon – helps you remove cooked sausage easily without losing the flavorful bits in the pot.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring without scratching your pot and scraping up tasty browned bits.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your broth, cream, and seasoning amounts just right.
- Cheese grater – handy for grating fresh Parmesan for richer flavor and garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter taste that still holds flavor well.
- Use spinach and kale together for extra green goodness and a bit more texture in the soup.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy twist that brightens the creamy broth.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a spicier kick in your soup.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and browning the sausage and vegetables, then about 15-20 minutes simmering and cooking the tortellini and spinach. Quick, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its aroma.
3. Add Broth and Tortellini:
Pour 6 cups of chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes), until tender.
4. Combine Ingredients and Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked sausage, fresh spinach leaves, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and heavy cream. Let everything simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes to combine flavors and allow the spinach to wilt.
5. Final Touches:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and creaminess.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Soup?
Yes! Just add frozen tortellini directly to the boiling broth and cook a minute or two longer than the package suggests to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and stir occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to heat evenly.
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage alternatives if you prefer. Just cook it the same way you would the Italian sausage for the best flavor.
