This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is packed with tasty sausage, tender tortellini, and colorful veggies. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
You can’t go wrong with a dish that feels comforting and easy to make! I love loading it up with extra spinach for some greens—because y’know, we’re trying to be healthy while enjoying our soup! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star ingredient that adds flavor. You can use mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you’d like a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini brings richness to the soup. If you’re looking for something different, try using spinach or mushroom tortellini, or even a gluten-free version if needed.
Heavy Cream: For a creamy texture, heavy cream is excellent. However, if you’re trying to cut calories, half-and-half or even coconut milk gives a nice consistency without so many calories.
Spinach: I love adding fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives if you want a heartier green.
Why is Sautéing the Onions and Garlic Important?
Sautéing the onions and garlic is vital for building flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in your pot before adding the onions; this helps them soften and caramelize beautifully.
- Cook the onions until they turn translucent, which usually takes 3-4 minutes. This means they’re starting to get sweet and flavorful!
- Adding garlic at the end prevents it from burning, which can make it bitter—just 30 seconds of cooking is perfect.
Getting the sauté right sets the stage for the whole soup, making it so much tastier!
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying a warm and hearty meal in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. If there’s too much fat, drain some of it off before proceeding.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells yummy and fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop those delicious flavors.
4. Mix in the Cream:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. This will make your soup creamy and rich!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they’re nice and tender.
6. Add the Spinach:
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until it’s wilted down. This adds a lovely color and nutrition to your soup!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy your soup hot, paired with some crusty bread for a cozy meal!
This creamy, savory soup combines rich sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh greens in a comforting tomato-cream broth. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option, or even use chicken sausage if you prefer. Just pick your favorite flavor to keep that delicious taste!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten up the soup, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be yummy!
Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Yes! Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened up too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.