This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is warm and comforting, filled with tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and colorful veggies. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t help but smile. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for chilly nights. Plus, the cheesy tortellini makes it feel like a special treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try Italian turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter, vegetarian twist.
Cheese Tortellini: I love using refrigerated cheese tortellini for its tenderness and flavor. However, if you can’t find cheese tortellini, any type of pasta (like shells or fusilli) will work, just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth adds a nice depth, vegetable broth is a great substitution if you want a vegetarian soup. Just ensure the broth is flavorful and rich.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or canned coconut milk, which still adds creaminess without the extra calories. Alternatively, skip it for a lighter broth-based soup.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
The key to a flavorful soup is in the seasoning and cooking techniques. Sautéing the sausage with onions and garlic builds a delicious base.
- Start by heating the olive oil in your pot before adding the sausage. This helps to brown the meat evenly, enhancing flavor.
- Don’t rush cooking the onions and garlic; let them soften and release their aromas before adding the broth.
- When you include the crushed red pepper flakes, be cautious; a little goes a long way for a spicy kick.
- Simmering the soup for at least 10 minutes allows all the ingredients to meld together nicely, resulting in depth of flavor.
Pay attention to seasoning at the end; tasting and adjusting salt and pepper brings every flavor to life!
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to around 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels like comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until everything is fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and the cans of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Stir the mixture well, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you go.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, until they’re tender.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, and cook until they are just wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
7. Make it Creamy:
Gently pour the heavy cream into the soup and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes without bringing it to a boil.
8. Season to Taste:
At this point, taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve it hot with crusty or garlic bread on the side.
Enjoy this creamy, hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup that’s loaded with savory sausage, tender pasta, fresh greens, and a rich tomato-cream broth!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly based on the sausage type.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage option or sauté additional vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the flavor profile.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
