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For a cozy bowl of creamy tortellini sausage soup, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 carrots, diced - 3 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The Italian sausage adds rich flavor. You can pick mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. Fresh spinach gives the soup a vibrant color. It also adds nutrients. The heavy cream is what makes this soup creamy and smooth. If you need a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free tortellini. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner choice. If you're vegan, try plant-based sausage and skip the cream, using coconut milk instead. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This gives your soup a rich flavor. Next, stir in 1 medium diced onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 diced carrots, and 3 diced celery stalks. Sauté these until they soften, which should take around 5-6 minutes. This mix of veggies adds sweetness and depth to the soup. After the vegetables have softened, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz). Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and optional 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Once the soup is bubbling, add 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The tortellini will soak up the flavors of the broth and become tender. When the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. This is when your soup becomes rich and creamy. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your creamy tortellini sausage soup is ready to serve! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this warm and comforting meal! To make this soup rich and tasty, start by browning the sausage well. This step adds a lot of flavor. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Next, be sure to sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. This mix brings out natural sweetness. Stirring often helps to cook them evenly. After that, let the broth and tomatoes simmer gently. This allows all the flavors to meld together. You can control the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For creaminess, adjust the amount of heavy cream. If you want it lighter, use less cream. You can also use half-and-half or milk. Just remember, adding cream near the end keeps the soup smooth and prevents curdling. For a lovely presentation, serve the soup in deep bowls. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread for a cozy touch. This makes for a great dipping option. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy this warm and comforting meal with family and friends! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor of the soup significantly compared to dried herbs. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, omit the red pepper flakes or use less of them. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider making it in advance! Thicken It Up: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in before adding the cream. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your soup by picking different sausages. Italian sausage is a classic choice, but you can also try chorizo for a spicy kick or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Each type adds its own taste. If you want extra heat, go for spicy sausage. For milder flavors, stick to sweet Italian sausage. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the sausage. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty feel. You can also add lentils for protein. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth. This keeps the soup rich and full of flavor without meat. You can make your soup even better with some simple add-ins. Try adding chopped kale or zucchini for more veggies. A splash of lemon juice brightens up the taste. If you love herbs, fresh basil or thyme will work wonders. For extra creaminess, stir in some cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. Each of these ideas can take your soup to the next level! After enjoying your soup, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. Stir well to combine any ingredients that may have settled. You can freeze the soup if you have extra. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will stay good for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm it slowly on the stove. Add a splash of cream if it looks thick. This soup tastes best fresh. But it still holds its flavor when stored. In the fridge, it lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last three months. Just check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Fresh spinach may wilt, but this won’t harm the soup. Enjoy your creamy tortellini sausage soup any time! To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer great options. You can also swap regular chicken broth for gluten-free broth. Always check labels for hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy the soup without worry. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Small shapes like shells or elbows work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. For a heartier option, try adding cooked rice or quinoa instead. You know the soup is done when the tortellini is tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes after adding it to the pot. The soup should be hot and bubbly. Stir in the cream and spinach last. Cook just until the spinach wilts. The soup is ready when the flavors come together. This blog covered the key ingredients and cooking steps for a delicious tortellini soup. I shared tips for cooking techniques, flavor adjustments, and serving ideas. You learned about variations, including sausage options and vegetarian choices. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your soup stays fresh and tasty. In my experience, making this soup can bring joy to your table. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the process. You will create a warm dish that everyone loves. Happy cooking!

Cozy Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

A comforting and creamy soup filled with tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Stir in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables have softened (approximately 5-6 minutes).
  • Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes).
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve the soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for color. Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Keyword comfort food, creamy, sausage, soup, tortellini