This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With hearty sausage and tender tortellini in a rich, comforting broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, this soup is my go-to when I want something easy and cozy. Just toss everything together, and let it simmer—it’s so simple! You’ll want seconds for sure! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup. Use mild for a subtle flavor or spicy for a kick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor and depth. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or green onions can be great alternatives.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini gives a comforting creaminess. You can swap with spinach or meat varieties if you prefer. Gluten-free tortellini is available too!
Heavy Cream: For that rich texture, heavy cream is fantastic. If you want to lighten it up, substituting half-and-half or whole milk will work, but it may alter the creaminess.
How Do You Make the Soup Creamy Without Curdling the Cream?
A common concern when adding cream to soup is curdling, especially if the soup is boiling. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Always lower the heat before adding cream to prevent sudden heat changes.
- Make sure the cream is at room temperature before adding it. Cold cream can shock the soup.
- Stir the cream gently into the soup and let it warm through, without boiling.
Stirring gently keeps the cream blended smoothly into your soup, giving it that luscious texture you want!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy this delightful soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is well-browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess grease, you can remove it at this point.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juice, the chicken broth, and the dried Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time to add the tortellini! Toss them into the pot and cook according to the package instructions, which is typically around 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
5. Add the Spinach:
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. This will wilt down nicely and add a pop of color!
6. Stir in Cream and Parmesan:
Once the tortellini are done, lower the heat a little and pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and let everything heat through for about 2-3 minutes, making sure not to let the soup boil at this stage.
7. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a lovely finishing touch!
Enjoy your hearty and creamy sausage tortellini soup! It’s sure to become a favorite for lunch or dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Absolutely! If you have frozen tortellini on hand, just add them to the soup without thawing. They may take a couple of extra minutes to cook, so just keep an eye on them until they’re tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to help restore the creaminess.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also top it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving!
