Creamy Tortellini Soup
Creamy Tortellini Soup blends Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan into a rich, cozy bowl. It is a satisfying family dinner or easy winter lunch served with warm bread.
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casing removed
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- bread slices for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the soup base for 5 minutes so the sausage and tomato flavors settle into the broth.
- Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook until tender, using the package timing as a guide.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the broth is creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm with bread slices.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini will soften as it sits.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short microwave intervals. Add a splash of broth to loosen the creamy base.
Freezing: For best texture, freeze the sausage and broth base before adding tortellini, spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Freeze up to 2 months.
Best Tips: Keep the heat low after adding cream and Parmesan so the broth stays smooth. Taste at the end because sausage and cheese add salt.
Variations: Use turkey sausage, add mushrooms, stir in kale instead of spinach, or add tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.
Serving Ideas: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.