This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s delightfully comforting.
It’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days. I love how the soup fills the kitchen with yummy smells, making it hard to wait for dinner! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the flavor star of the soup! You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Chicken Broth: A good quality broth adds depth. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or even use water if you’re in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: It gives the soup a creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, use half-and-half or whole milk, although it may not be as rich. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
Cheese Tortellini: While cheese tortellini is classic, you can swap in spinach or mushroom tortellini for extra flavor. Gluten-free options are also available.
How Can I Cook Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking the sausage correctly ensures the best flavor. Here are some steps to follow:
- Start with a medium-high heat to brown the sausage without steaming it.
- Break it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
- Cook until there’s no pink and it’s nicely browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Letting the sausage brown helps to deepen the flavor, especially when you mix it with the onions and garlic!
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until the onion becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the pasta is nice and tender.
5. Incorporate Cream and Spinach:
Lower the heat again, and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all those lovely flavors.
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor and presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Serve this delicious soup hot and take a moment to savor the rich, comforting flavors. Perfect for cozy nights!
This quick and tasty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a wonderful blend of savory sausage, creamy broth, tender tortellini, and fresh veggies, ready to warm you up in no time! Enjoy your meal! 🍲
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add them to the soup directly without thawing. They may need an extra minute or two to cook, so check for the recommended cooking time on the package for best results.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this soup with other veggies! Try adding diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onion before adding the broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The tortellini may absorb some broth, so feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein.
