This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor! It features tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables all swimming in a delicious broth.
I love how it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl on chilly days. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just toss everything together, and you’re good to go. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your preferred heat level. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great, too!
Onion: A small yellow onion provides a lovely base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, substitute with shallots or even green onions for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. If you don’t have any, about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: This cheese tortellini soup gets its creaminess from heavy cream, but you can swap it for half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream if you’re looking for lighter options.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is traditional, but you can also use spinach or meat-filled varieties. If you can’t find tortellini, small pasta shapes like mini shells or orzo work well, too!
How Do You Keep the Soup from Getting Mushy?
Cooking the tortellini just right is key. To avoid mushy pasta, add it at the end of cooking. Follow the package instructions carefully to ensure they don’t overcook in the soup.
- Bring the soup mixture to a simmer before adding tortellini.
- Stir gently; don’t let it boil rapidly while the tortellini cooks.
- When they float to the top, they’re typically done, check for doneness!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup every time, perfect for sharing with family or friends!
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Building the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Adding Cream:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and warm it through—just a few minutes. Be careful not to let it come to a boil, as you want to keep that lovely creamy texture!
5. Cooking the Tortellini:
Next, add the tortellini to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and floating. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves and cook until just wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with some delicious crusty bread on the side for dipping.”
This creamy and savory Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Italian Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the sausage completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual!
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic until tender before adding the broth.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a non-dairy cream. For a healthier twist, Greek yogurt can also be added at the end for creaminess!
