This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, tender tortellini, and colorful veggies, it’s both hearty and comforting.
On chilly days, this soup is my go-to. I love the way the tortellini fills me up while the spices dance in my mouth. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy for your soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. You can also use plant-based sausage if you’re keeping it vegetarian!
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a meatless version. Just be mindful of the sodium content if using store-bought options; low-sodium versions are a good choice.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk or almond milk can substitute, adding a slight twist in flavor.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is classic, but feel free to experiment with spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini. Gluten-free tortellini is also available if needed!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal, but you can swap it for kale or Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time, as these greens may need a bit longer to wilt down.
How Can I Perfectly Sauté My Ingredients?
Cooking your ingredients correctly at the start sets the flavor foundation for your soup. Sautéing releases essential oils and flavors, especially in onions and garlic. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in your pot until it’s shimmering, but not smoking.
- Add chopped onion first; sauté until it turns translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Then, add garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn it as garlic can turn bitter.
By following these steps, you’ll build a flavorful base for a fantastic soup! Enjoy every spoonful! 🍲
How to Make Italian 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, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. Total time? About 35 minutes to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat! Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer and Blend the Flavors:
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together nicely.
5. Add the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to the soup and cook according to the package directions, which is usually about 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
6. Stir in Sausage and Spinach:
Mix in the cooked sausage and fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down into the soup.
7. Cream it Up:
Reduce the heat, then carefully stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Gently warm it through without boiling.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and add extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for garnish. It’s perfect alongside some crusty Italian bread. Enjoy your cozy meal!
This bowl of goodness combines savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato broth. You’re sure to love it! 🍲
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add them directly to the soup and cook for an extra minute or two as needed, according to the package instructions. They will be just as delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the soup’s creaminess.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots. Just sauté them with the onions for a few extra minutes before adding the broth to ensure they’re tender.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well, or you can use a non-dairy option like coconut milk or almond milk. Just note that this will alter the flavor slightly—coconut milk adds a nice tropical twist!
