Get ready to fall head-over-heels for soup season with this irresistibly cozy Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe! This hearty bowl is brimming with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, garden-fresh veggies, and a luscious creamy tomato broth. Every spoonful is pure comfort, making it the kind of meal that brings warmth, joy, and just a hint of decadence to even the chilliest day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full-on Comfort: Creamy, cheesy tortellini and juicy sausage come together in a crave-worthy soup that feels like a giant hug in a bowl.
- Fast & Family-Friendly: This one-pot wonder is ready in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
- Packed with Veggies: Carrots, celery, onion and vibrant greens add color, flavor, and bonus nutrition (without any fuss from picky eaters).
- Flexible for All Diets: It’s so easy to swap ingredients making this Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe dairy-free, vegetarian, or gluten-free if needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy to create luscious flavor with this Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe—just classic pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Each component plays its own delicious role, building layers of taste and making this soup absolutely irresistible.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Brings savory, hearty richness with a mild spice—remove some excess grease after browning to keep things light.
- Butter (or plant-based butter): Gives veggies a silky start and adds subtle depth to the soup’s base.
- Garlic, Sweet Yellow Onion: Aromatic staples that create serious flavor and a tantalizing aroma in every spoonful.
- Carrots & Celery: These classic soup veggies add sweetness and texture while bulking up the nutrition.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning essentials that help every ingredient sing.
- Italian Seasoning: A flavorful blend of dried herbs to tie everything together.
- Primal Kitchen Vodka Sauce (or any good marinara): Makes the broth incredibly creamy and tangy; if you like, trade for your favorite jarred sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory backbone—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show! Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini for ultimate cheesy bites.
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in at the end for a pop of green and an extra nutrient boost.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Perfect for finishing each bowl with a touch of salty-silky goodness.
Variations
The best part about this Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe is how effortlessly you can make it your own! Feel free to tweak ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or fridge—or tailor it to suit dietary needs and personal favorites.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese tortellini, and skip or swap in vegan parmesan for a cozy, creamy soup everyone can enjoy.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for a plant-based sausage or go with cannellini beans for a punch of protein.
- Spicy Kick: Try hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat alongside the creaminess.
- Greens Galore: Use kale instead of spinach, throw in chard, or even add a handful of peas or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Go Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free tortellini and double-check your broth and marinara labels to keep things safe for all.
How to Make Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s deeply browned and deliciously caramelized, drain away any excess grease to prevent a heavy broth—this gives your soup a cleaner, lighter finish while keeping all the rich flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Add butter to the same pot and let it melt into those savory sausage bits. Toss in the garlic, onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, for about 3–4 minutes until the veggies become slightly tender and start to release their mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Broth
Pour in the vodka sauce (or your preferred marinara) and chicken broth gradually, stirring well to pull up any caramelized bits at the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for at least 3–5 minutes. This step is where the flavors really start to mingle and the soup gets its dreamy, rosy color!
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Greens
Gently stir in your cheese tortellini and chopped spinach or kale. Let the soup bubble away for another 3–5 minutes or until the tortellini are perfectly plump and the greens turn vibrantly green. Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you’re just moments away from dinner bliss!
Step 5: Serve with Parmesan
Ladle your piping-hot Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe into bowls and crown each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan. The soup is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely swoon-worthy from the very first bite!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe
- Sausage Browning Magic: Take your time fully browning the sausage for deep, savory-flavor development—it makes all the difference!
- Sauce Swap Savvy: Don’t stress if you don’t have vodka sauce; any creamy marinara or tomato basil sauce will give you a dreamy broth.
- Tortellini Timing: Only add tortellini when you’re nearly ready to serve—overcooked tortellini will turn mushy, so keep an eye on them!
- Luscious Leftovers: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking tortellini separately and adding it to each bowl to keep it perfectly al dente for round two.
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a big burst of flavor and color, garnish your Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe with extra parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, and if you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. A drizzle of good olive oil or a swirl of heavy cream adds a touch of restaurant flair too!
Side Dishes
This soup is fantastic paired with a crusty Italian loaf (for dunking!), garlic breadsticks, or warm focaccia. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil—the hearty soup and crisp salad balance each other beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe by ladling it into individual mini cocottes or mugs for a fun dinner party vibe. Or, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for that classic comfort-food effect—perfect for entertaining or cozy family nights!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep things fresh, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If the tortellini soaks up some broth during storage, you can simply add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating to loosen things back up.
Freezing
This soup freezes fairly well if you hold off on adding the tortellini and greens—just freeze the sausage-veggie-broth base. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the base, add fresh tortellini and greens, and cook until done for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, loosen with a bit more broth. Stir frequently and heat just until everything is warmed through for best flavor and tortellini texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well for this Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe. You may need to add a minute or two to the cook time for the tortellini to become perfectly tender.
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What can I substitute for vodka sauce?
Good news—any creamy marinara, tomato basil sauce, or even your favorite classic marinara will work beautifully. Just choose a sauce you love, as it makes a big difference in the final flavor!
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How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply use plant-based sausage or stir in canned cannellini beans for protein, swap chicken broth for veggie broth, and check your tortellini for a vegetarian-friendly filling. The soup will still have fantastic flavor!
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Will the tortellini get mushy if left in the soup?
Tortellini will keep soaking up broth as it sits, which can soften them. For best results, if you plan for leftovers, store cooked tortellini separately from the soup and add just before serving or reheating.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to stir up a pot of this Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe soon! Whether you’re chasing away the chills or just craving some truly soul-warming comfort, I know this dish will bring big smiles around your table. Happy cooking—you’re about to make a new family favorite!
PrintCreamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting Cheese Tortellini Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is packed with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh veggies in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon butter (sub plant-based butter)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled & chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar Primal Kitchen Vodka Sauce*
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 (20oz) package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Bring a large dutch oven to a medium-high heat. Add ground Italian sausage and break apart. Brown the sausage, draining excess grease if needed.
- Add Veggies: Melt butter in the pot, then add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Sauce + Broth: Gradually add vodka sauce and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Finish: Add tortellini and spinach, simmer for 3-5 minutes until tortellini are cooked.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Dairy Free: Use dairy-free cheese tortellini, plant-based butter, and vegan parmesan cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- *Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce in place of Primal Kitchen Vodka Sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg