Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

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Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

Description

Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a rich, creamy broth into one satisfying bowl. This hearty soup is packed with flavor from garlic, onions, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, while the sausage adds a deliciously savory bite that pairs perfectly with the tender pasta. Fresh spinach provides a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, making this soup both comforting and wholesome. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Serve it with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of the creamy broth. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this restaurant-quality soup is guaranteed to become a favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach

For the Creamy Broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until tender.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Stir the fresh spinach into the soup and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely into the broth.

Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 8: Rest Briefly

Allow the soup to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together while slightly thickening the broth.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately with crusty artisan bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

Tips & Notes

  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly and has the best texture.
  • Add the cream after lowering the heat to prevent curdling.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For extra vegetables, add sliced mushrooms or diced carrots while sautéing the onions.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb broth, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. Frozen tortellini works perfectly; simply cook it a few minutes longer according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Absolutely. Chopped kale is a great alternative and holds up well in the soup.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
The broth can be frozen, but for the best texture, cook and add fresh tortellini when reheating after thawing.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 6

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 470
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 820mg

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