This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth that makes it oh-so-satisfying.
Making this soup is super easy! I love how it comes together quickly, perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day. Plus, don’t blame me if you end up wanting seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable broth instead. It will still add plenty of flavor!
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is soft and wilts nicely, but you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a bit more texture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just remember, it won’t be as creamy, but still tasty!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good option for a dairy-free choice.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy?
The key to a creamy soup is how you handle the cream. After adding it, keep the heat low and don’t let the soup boil because it can curdle. Stir gently to mix everything until it’s perfectly blended. Using freshly grated Parmesan helps enhance that creamy texture too!
- Start with cooked sausage and sauté onion and garlic to build flavor.
- Add broth and tomatoes, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Add tortellini last to maintain its shape and cook according to the package.
With these tips, you’re sure to make a deliciously creamy soup every time!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this comforting meal on the table in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives the soup a chance to soak up all those flavors!
5. Add the Tortellini:
Toss in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and cooked through. Stir gently so they don’t stick together.
6. Stir in the Spinach:
Next, add the fresh baby spinach. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
7. Make it Creamy:
Turn down the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Heat gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Just a reminder, don’t let it boil after adding the cream!
8. Season and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Then, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if you like.
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for chilly days. Enjoy every spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add them to the soup in the same way, but you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through properly.
What Vegetables Can I Add for Extra Nutrition?
You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup. Just chop them up and add them in when you sauté the onion, allowing them to cook until they’re tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
