Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
If you are craving a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It perfectly balances savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, velvety broth enhanced by fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and texture, making this soup a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role in building layers of savory flavor, hearty texture, and beautiful color that makes this soup as delicious as it looks.
- Ground Italian sausage: Choose mild for a gentle spice level and remove casing if needed for easy browning.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, creating a flavorful base.
- Garlic: A fragrant essential that boosts the overall savory profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the comforting soup base while keeping saltiness in check.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Bring a smoky sweetness and bright color to the broth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh is best to keep the pasta tender and pillowy.
- Heavy cream: Adds the signature richness and silky texture to finish the soup.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top for an extra cheesy touch.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high and adding the ground Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Cooking the sausage first releases its flavorful fat, which provides a tasty foundation for the soup, but be sure to drain any excess grease so the broth stays light enough.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
After the sausage is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Let the onions cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes aromatic. This step softens the vegetables and develops the soup’s depth.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, juices and all. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil. This combination of broth and smoky tomatoes creates a multi-dimensional base that’s hearty yet vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the cheese tortellini and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it’s tender but not mushy. Fresh tortellini works wonders here, as it holds its shape and adds a delightful, pillowy bite to every spoonful.
Step 5: Add Cream
Finally, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the soup gently and let it warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. The cream transforms the broth into a luscious, velvety soup that coats each ingredient beautifully, sealing in all those wonderful flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can take this soup to the next level. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish, while fresh basil leaves lend a pop of herbal brightness that contrasts the richness perfectly. These simple touches make each bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread to soak up the luscious broth, or a crisp green salad for some refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia are also fantastic companions that round out the meal with satisfying texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out squash for an eye-catching presentation. You can also drizzle a little extra cream or a splash of good-quality olive oil on top before serving, adding a gourmet flair that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the soup from absorbing any other flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is a bit tricky because the cream and tortellini can change texture after thawing. If you want to freeze the base, do so before adding the cream and tortellini. Thaw overnight, then cook fresh tortellini and stir in cream before serving for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much, ensuring it returns to that perfectly silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Swapping in spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick to the soup. Just be mindful of the heat level to suit your taste and those you’re serving.
Is fresh tortellini necessary, or can I use frozen or dried?
Fresh tortellini is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but frozen tortellini works well too. Dried tortellini will take longer to cook and may have a firmer texture, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup will still be rich and delicious.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone can also enhance creaminess if you have those available.
How spicy is this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?
Since it uses mild Italian sausage by default, the soup has just a gentle savory warmth. You can always amp up the spice with hot Italian sausage, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bolder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly a showstopper in the world of comforting meals, perfectly blending hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a smooth, flavorful broth. It’s incredibly easy to make and sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering warmth, satisfaction, and simple joy in every bowl. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious adventure of making this soul-soothing soup for yourself and those you love!
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring flavorful browned Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, tender cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy broth, this soup is both filling and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild), casing removed if using links
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh recommended)
Optional Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles. Continue until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced yellow onion to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the boiling soup and cook for about 5 minutes or until the tortellini are tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, just long enough to heat the cream through and blend the flavors, but do not boil.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cheese tortellini as it cooks quickly and has a tender texture compared to frozen.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or omit the cream entirely.
- You can swap mild Italian sausage for spicy if you desire a bit more heat in the soup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating.
- Feel free to add chopped spinach or kale along with the cream for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
