Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
This rich and comforting Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is loaded with tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream broth. Topped with a spoonful of creamy ricotta, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner the whole family will love!
35 minutes
Ingredients
For the soup:
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For topping:
½ cup ricotta cheese
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley
Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing the casings if necessary. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the flavorful broth
Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tender.
Step 5: Make the soup creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.
Step 6: Add the spinach
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Add the finishing touch
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and cracked black pepper.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tortellini Soup
Use fresh tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly and has a wonderful tender texture.
Choose Italian sausage: Mild sausage gives a savory flavor, while spicy sausage adds extra warmth.
Add ricotta just before serving: It creates a creamy, restaurant-style finish.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Tortellini can become too soft if left simmering for too long.
Make it extra creamy: Add another splash of heavy cream for a richer broth.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For best results, freeze the soup base without the tortellini and cream for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, adding a little chicken broth if the soup thickens. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy sausage tortellini soup with warm garlic bread, buttery breadsticks, or a fresh Caesar salad. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cold winter nights.
The result: A delicious bowl of creamy Italian-inspired comfort food with tender cheese tortellini, flavorful sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-Parmesan broth. Every spoonful is warm, hearty, and irresistible!