This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and hearty.
Nothing beats slurping up this delicious soup on a chilly day. I like to enjoy it with some crusty bread for dipping. Yum! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The star of the soup! I love using mild sausage for a balanced flavor, but spicy adds a nice kick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works great too!
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe since it’s quick to cook. You can swap it for fresh tortellini if you want a richer texture. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta alternatives that can fit in the soup.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the soup. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk is a good substitute, though it might be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk for a creamy texture with a twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. You can use kale or Swiss chard instead, but make sure to chop them finely for better texture. Frozen spinach works in a pinch; just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
How Can I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
Building flavor is all about cooking your ingredients in stages. Start by browning the sausage well; this adds so much depth. Here’s how to ensure your soup is packed with flavor:
- Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned. This caramelization brings out rich flavors.
- Add the diced onion next. Cooking it until soft creates a sweet base.
- Don’t rush the garlic! Just a quick 30 seconds will do, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Let the broth simmer for a good 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a deliciously comforting soup that warms both your heart and belly!
How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious soup will take about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take around 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion to the pot. Cook it until it becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can really smell its fragrant aroma.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and add the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Add Creaminess:
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to combine everything well.
5. Incorporate the Tortellini:
Now it’s time to add the cheese tortellini! Cook them according to the package instructions, generally about 3-5 minutes, until tender and cooked through.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
After the tortellini are ready, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
7. Final Seasoning:
Taste your soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, adjusting to your flavor preferences.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy your comforting Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup!
Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to warm you right up!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage for a lighter option or even chicken sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. You could also serve it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal!