Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This creamy Italian sausage ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with rich, savory flavors from hearty Italian sausage and tender vegetables. Plus, it all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll love how simple yet incredibly satisfying this delicious tortellini soup is for the whole family. It’s truly a weeknight winner!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Soup

You’re going to adore this easy weeknight meal for so many reasons:

• Quick & Satisfying: This hearty tortellini soup cooks in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal fast.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth create a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful dish.
• Simple One-Pot Cooking: Everything comes together in a single pot, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your dinner.
• Easily Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to make this soup truly your own.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters will love the tender tortellini and savory broth, making this a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone can enjoy.

Olivia

Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

A rich and comforting soup with Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, veggies, and creamy tomato-infused broth — perfect for a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 celery stalks thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 9 ounces cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces baby spinach optional, loosely packed

Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
5. Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes) until al dente. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
6. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach (if using). Simmer another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Notes

Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for dipping. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter broth or add extra veggies like zucchini. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Ingredients

To make this delicious tortellini soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the incredible flavors of this comforting dish. Gather these items, and you’ll be ready to cook.

• 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage: Adds a savory, rich base.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides aromatic sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Contributes a classic soup base flavor.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and color.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of peppery warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic Italian herb blend.
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed or chopped: Boosts the Italian sausage flavor.
• one 6-oz. can tomato paste: Adds richness and body to the broth.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds complexity.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
• 6-7 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base for your soup.
• 14 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of this creamy soup.
• 2 cups half and half or heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture.
• 1 handful chopped fresh spinach: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
• Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving: Perfect garnishes.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment!

• Sausage Types: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Vegetable Alternatives: Swap in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the carrots and celery.
• Broth Variations: Vegetable broth works beautifully as a vegetarian option, or use beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Dairy Options: Whole milk can replace half and half for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich.
• Tortellini Fillings: Spinach and ricotta, meat-filled, or even gluten-free tortellini all work well in this creamy tortellini soup.
• Leafy Greens: Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives to spinach; just add them a bit earlier to allow them to wilt.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this simple recipe. Here’s what will make cooking this creamy tortellini soup a breeze:

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Ideal for one-pot cooking.
• Sturdy wooden spoon/spatula: For browning meat and stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For preparing your vegetables.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and comforting creamy tortellini soup. This recipe is designed for ease and delicious results every time. Take your time with each step, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.

1. Brown Italian sausage: In a large stockpot set over medium-high heat, cook the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Sauté vegetables: When the sausage is mostly browned, add the diced onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add aromatics and paste: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed fennel seed, and tomato paste. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine. Let it cook out for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible flavor to your tortellini soup.
5. Stir in flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute. The mixture will become thick and sticky.
6. Whisk in broth: Gradually whisk in 6 to 7 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir continuously until everything is well combined and smooth.
7. Simmer soup: Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Add cream: Stir in the half and half or heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a low simmer, but do not let it come to a rolling boil after it’s added.
9. Cook tortellini and spinach: Add the refrigerated tortellini and the handful of fresh spinach to the simmering soup.
10. Finish cooking: Cook just until the tortellini is al dente, following the package directions. The spinach will wilt quickly.
11. Garnish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread for dipping is highly recommended!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making a delicious creamy tortellini soup is simple with a few helpful hints. These tips will ensure your soup turns out perfect every time and help you avoid common pitfalls.

• Do Not Overcook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just until al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and breaks apart in the soup.
• Season as You Go: Taste the soup at various stages and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This builds layers of flavor.
• Proper Roux Consistency: Ensure the flour is cooked with the sausage and vegetables for at least a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
• Prevent Cream from Curdling: Add the cream towards the end of cooking and avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil after it’s added. Gentle simmering is key for this creamy soup.
• Add Delicate Greens Last: Spinach wilts quickly. Add it right before the tortellini finishes cooking to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
• Adjust Liquid for Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This creamy tortellini soup is incredibly versatile, both in how you serve it and how you can adapt it. Enjoy it fresh, save it for later, or get creative with delicious twists.

Serve this hearty tortellini soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into the rich broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a perfect complement, cutting through the richness of the soup.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini may absorb some liquid and soften further, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing this particular tortellini soup is possible, but with a caveat. The pasta can become mushy, and the cream may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and cream. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, then add fresh tortellini and cream to the simmering broth.

Consider these delicious variations to make this recipe your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the Italian sausage and sauté extra vegetables or use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative.
• Protein Variations: Cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or cannellini beans are great additions or substitutions for the sausage.
• Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash.

Nutrition Information

This easy tortellini soup provides a comforting and satisfying meal. While homemade recipes offer flexibility, these are estimated values.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about this creamy tortellini soup? Here are some quick answers to common inquiries.

Conclusion

This creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup is truly a culinary hug in a bowl, delivering warmth and incredible flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something homemade and comforting. We hope you’ll give this fantastic recipe a try and discover why it’s a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! It’s always a joy to hear how you make these simple recipes your own.

Olivia