Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I discovered this soup on a chilly evening when I wanted comfort food that was cozy, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated. Packed with spicy Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato-cream broth, it quickly became a family favorite that I make again and again. Stick around—I’m going to share all the tips so your soup turns out perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I love using fresh baby spinach for a pop of green, but that’s optional if you want to keep it classic. When shopping for sausage, I recommend Italian sausage links that you remove from the casing for the best flavor and texture.

• Italian sausage: Choose spicy or mild depending on your heat preference; removing casing helps it cook evenly.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the soup without big chunks.
• Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
• Flour: Helps thicken the broth slightly for that creamy texture.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced for the best punch of flavor.
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want to control saltiness better.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity that brightens up the richness of the cream and sausage.
• Italian seasoning: A little goes a long way for that classic herb aroma.
• Cheese tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini works perfectly here for quick cooking.
• Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Baby spinach: Optional but recommended for color and nutrition.
• Salt & pepper: To taste—season carefully because broth and sausage already have some salt.

Variations

I love experimenting with this soup depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it’s amazingly flexible!

• Meat swap: I’ve made it with ground turkey sausage for a lighter take that still delivers plenty of flavor.
• Dairy-free: Swap the cream for coconut milk—gives a subtle sweetness but still creamy.
• Veggie boost: When I’m feeling green, I toss in extra kale or zucchini for added texture.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like it hotter—my family goes crazy for this twist!

How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Flavor

Start by adding the sausage meat to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. I like to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks so it browns evenly. It’ll take about 7-10 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink and gets those delicious brown bits. These bits are where the flavor hides, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, scoop the sausage out and drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot to cook the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the pot with the reserved sausage fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to smell sweet. This step builds your soup’s base flavor, so take your time here. Then add the minced garlic and flour, cooking everything together for about a minute while stirring constantly—this helps make the broth nice and creamy.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the flour completely and prevent lumps. Then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with the Italian seasoning. This combination creates a flavorful, slightly tangy base that pairs perfectly with the sausage. Now, toss the sausage back in to mingle with those flavors. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Simmer

Once the soup is boiling, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. You want the tortellini tender but not mushy—give them a little taste to check. This part is crucial because overcooked tortellini can ruin the soup’s texture, so keep an eye on it!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach

After the tortellini cooks through, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. This step adds that lovely creamy richness that makes the soup so comforting. Finally, stir in fresh baby spinach; it wilts quickly and adds a fresh touch. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually wait to salt until the end so I don’t overdo it because sausage and broth already add saltiness.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves when I have them on hand. It adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a pop of fresh green that makes the dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

A crisp Caesar salad or a crusty baguette works perfectly to round out the meal. Whenever I serve this soup for dinner, I always slice up some garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. It’s a fun way to impress guests and keeps your soup warm longer. Plus, everyone loves dipping the bread into the broth!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the tortellini soaks up liquid over time, I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up and keep it from getting too thick.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you leave the tortellini out before freezing—pasta can get mushy after thawing. Freeze the broth and sausage mixture separately and add fresh tortellini when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or cream if the soup feels too thick. I avoid the microwave for reheating because it can make the cream curdle or the tortellini rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe has quickly become one of those dinner staples for me. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family and I do. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to cozy soup, too!

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