If you are craving a comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety broth heightened by fresh herbs and fire-roasted tomatoes. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and just the right amount of creaminess, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family and friends. Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing soup that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards a memorable soup experience. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role: the sausage brings hearty flavor, the tortellini adds a delightful chewy texture, and the cream takes the broth to indulgent heights. Together, they create a symphony of taste and comfort.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild): Choose mild for balance, but feel free to use spicy for an extra kick; removing casing ensures easy crumbling and even cooking.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed to soft perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that keeps the soup rich without overpowering other ingredients.
- 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained: Imparts a smoky, tangy layer that brightens the soup beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to tie all the flavors together seamlessly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the taste sensations.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to awaken the palate.
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh recommended): Their creamy cheese filling makes each spoonful irresistibly rich.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Envelops the soup in a silky, luxurious finish; opt for full-fat for best results.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional garnish): A sharp, salty sprinkle to crown your bowl.
- Fresh basil (optional garnish): Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that excites the senses.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. As it cooks, the sausage releases flavorful fat that forms a rich base. Once browned with a beautiful golden crust, drain any excess grease to keep the soup balanced and not overly oily.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add diced onions right into the pot. Cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes softens the onions, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until its heavenly aroma fills your kitchen. This step is critical for building the classic depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, juices and all. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Bringing this mixture to a boil melds the flavors quickly, warming you up inside even before the first taste.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Now, stir in your cheese tortellini. Fresh tortellini will cook in about 5 minutes, turning tender and delightfully pillowy. If using frozen, just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. This step transforms the soup into a hearty, complete meal.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently pour in the heavy cream. Cook the soup for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to heat through and thicken the broth slightly. The result is an irresistible, silky texture that wraps around the sausage and tortellini perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty edge that’s hard to resist. Fresh basil leaves bring a pop of color and a sharp, aromatic freshness that balances the creamy richness. Don’t be shy with garnishes—they complete the soup experience.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a stand-alone meal but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Think warm garlic bread or a toasted baguette to mop up every last bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls for a cozy dinner vibe, or dish it up in smaller cups as an elegant starter at a dinner party. For a fun twist, offer toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, extra herbs, or a drizzle of good olive oil so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it promptly once cooled to prevent spoiling. When ready to enjoy, the flavors have had time to blend even more, making leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, be mindful that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate. For best results, freeze the soup without the cream, then stir it in when reheating. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently, and if you froze the soup without cream, add it now and warm through before serving. Microwaving is convenient, but watch closely and stir to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add a lovely heat and boldness to the soup. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall spice level, so adjust seasonings if needed to suit your taste.
Is fresh tortellini necessary or can I use dried or frozen?
Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and offers the best texture for this soup, but frozen tortellini works well too. Dried tortellini generally takes longer to cook and may be less tender, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup is meant to be creamy but still broth-based, not thick like a stew. The cream gently thickens it while keeping a smooth, pourable consistency that coats the tortellini perfectly.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the soup won’t be quite as rich or silky. Heavy cream offers the signature velvety texture that makes this soup special, so if possible, stick with it for the best result.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a bowl of soup that feels both indulgent and homey, and this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe hits that mark every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, it’s a surefire way to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring browned Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild), remove casing if using links
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cream
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil.
- Cook Tortellini: Once boiling, stir in the fresh cheese tortellini. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the soup is heated through and creamy throughout.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the soup may be less rich and creamy.
- Fresh tortellini is recommended for best texture, but frozen tortellini can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.
- You can add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during the sauté step for additional nutrition and flavor.
