This hearty tortellini soup is packed with tasty pasta, fresh veggies, and a savory broth. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to make! Just toss everything in a pot, and in no time, you’ll have a big bowl of goodness. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds a wonderful flavor to the soup. If you want a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage works great too. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or simply omit it.
Broth: Chicken broth gives depth, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian soup. Homemade broth is also fantastic if you have it on hand!
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini provides great texture, but you can use frozen or even small pasta shapes like farfalle or penne if tortellini isn’t available.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut milk or cashew cream can add creaminess without the dairy.
How Do You Cook the Tortellini Perfectly?
Cooking the tortellini just right makes a big difference in texture. Overcooking can make it mushy! Follow these simple steps:
- Wait until your soup is fully simmering before adding the tortellini. This helps them cook evenly.
- Follow the package instructions carefully—cook them for the time suggested (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Keep an eye on them as they cook; they should be tender but not overly soft.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat immediately to prevent them from cooking more.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook the onion until it becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you smell the wonderful aroma.
3. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the tortellini directly into the pot and cook it according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, until it’s tender and delicious.
5. Add Spinach:
Next, stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook it just until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This adds a lovely pop of green to your soup!
6. Creamy Finish:
Now, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the grated Parmesan cheese. Heat everything through without boiling the soup, allowing the cream to create a rich, creamy texture.
7. Final Seasoning:
Before you serve, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup with some crusty bread or crackers!
This soup is not only rich and flavorful, but it’s also a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍲
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option or use chicken sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, plant-based sausage works well, or simply omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the sausage. You can replace it with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No problem! You can use frozen spinach instead. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup. Alternatively, you can substitute with other leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up while reheating.
