Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Imagine twirling, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy tomato broth, punctuated by savory Italian sausage and fragrant herbs. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Tortellini, originating from the Emilia region of Italy, are said to be inspired by the goddess Venus’s navel – a truly divine origin for such a delightful pasta! While traditionally served with butter and sage, tortellini shines in countless preparations. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe elevates the classic by combining it with the robust flavors of Italian sausage and a velvety smooth, tomato-based broth.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the tender tortellini, the slightly chewy sausage, and the creamy broth create a symphony in your mouth. The taste is equally captivating, with the sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory sausage, and the subtle hint of herbs all working in harmony. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a creamy soup that’s ready in a flash? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable). In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Leaving a little bit of the rendered fat in the pot will add to the flavor, but too much will make the soup greasy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma at this stage is just wonderful!
4. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup later on. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Cooking the flour slightly removes the raw flour taste.

Building the Soup:

1. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. It’s important to add the broth slowly and stir well to ensure the roux dissolves properly.
2. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot. The liquid from the can adds extra flavor, so don’t drain them!
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. A gentle simmer is key – you don’t want the soup to boil vigorously.
4. Add Spinach: Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach. Make sure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach, otherwise it will make the soup watery.

Cooking the Tortellini and Finishing Touches:

1. Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface. Keep a close eye on the tortellini – you don’t want to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
2. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, but do not boil. Boiling after adding the cream can cause it to curdle.
3. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Serving:

1. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat, too!
2. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, creamy sausage tortellini soup! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Tips and Variations:

• Sausage: Feel free to use any type of Italian sausage you like. Sweet sausage will give the soup a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use ground turkey or chicken sausage as a healthier alternative.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
• Spinach: If you don’t have frozen spinach, you can use fresh spinach. Add about 5 ounces of fresh spinach to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Tortellini: Use any type of cheese tortellini you like. You can also use meat-filled tortellini or spinach and ricotta tortellini.
• Cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
• Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted for Parmesan cheese.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to make the soup spicier.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-120mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 20-25g

Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy broth creates a taste experience that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and weekends even cozier.

But what truly sets this soup apart is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – spicy Italian for an extra kick, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also swap out the cheese tortellini for spinach or meat-filled varieties, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian twist, consider using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or oregano adds a vibrant touch and enhances the aroma.
* Add a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For an extra layer of creaminess and tang, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
* Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
* Make it a Meal: Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Add Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced carrots for added nutrients and flavor.

I’ve made this soup countless times, and each time it’s a hit. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends, or to simply enjoy on a chilly evening.

Don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself!

I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of making and savoring this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I truly believe it’s something special.

Once you’ve had a chance to whip up a batch of this incredible soup, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup adventures. Happy cooking!

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