This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Loaded with tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s comforting and hearty.
I love how it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, nothing beats the smell of this soup simmering on the stove—instant happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy, depending on your heat preference. If you’d like a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too, and it still packs plenty of flavor.
Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth will do the trick. It gives the soup a nice depth without the meat. Homemade broth can add even better flavor!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter choice, try using half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. I’ve made it with half-and-half before, and it still comes out creamy!
Fresh Spinach: You can easily substitute with kale or swiss chard if that’s what you have. Both will add great nutrition and a slightly different texture.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly sets the base for your soup. You’ll want to ensure it’s browned nicely for that rich flavor. Here’s how:
- Use a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and then the sausage.
- Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This prevents large chunks and ensures even cooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink.
For more flavor, don’t rush this step! The caramelization adds depth to your soup. Enjoy every bit of it! 😊
How to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Tortellini?
Cooking tortellini right is key to keeping your soup enjoyable. Here’s how to do it well:
- After adding the heavy cream, let the mixture return to a gentle boil before adding the tortellini.
- Follow the package instructions carefully. Usually, about 3-5 minutes is all it takes!
- Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up to see if it’s done. They should be tender but slightly firm to the bite—al dente!
Properly cooked tortellini adds fun texture while soaking up all that delicious broth! 😊
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, and continue until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will give your soup a wonderful base flavor!
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft—about 3-4 minutes. Once the onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s nice and fragrant.
3. Adding the Liquids:
Now it’s time for the broth! Pour in the chicken broth along with the can of diced tomatoes, making sure to include all the juices. Stir in the dried basil and oregano for extra flavor. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 10 minutes. This step combines all the delicious flavors!
4. Cooking the Tortellini:
Stir in the heavy cream and the cheese tortellini. Follow the cooking time on the tortellini package, usually about 3-5 minutes is perfect. You want them tender but not mushy—al dente is the way to go!
5. Finishing Touches:
Add the chopped spinach into the pot and let it simmer for just 1-2 minutes until it’s wilted. Taste your delicious soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
6. Serving the Soup:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing each with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or go for spicy sausage if you want to kick up the heat. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still enjoy all the heartiness and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, be sure to do so without the tortellini, as they can become mushy. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onion for the best results!
