This warm soup features tasty Italian sausage and joyful tortellini swimming in a rich broth. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for chilly nights!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up this soup! Just throw everything in the pot and let it cook while you relax. Who knew delicious could be so simple?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I recommend using either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. If you want a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead for a lighter flavor.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is traditional, but feel free to try different fillings like spinach or mushroom. You can also use gluten-free tortellini if needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk. This changes the flavor a bit, but it’s delicious!
How Do You Make Sure the Soup is Full of Flavor?
The key to a flavorful soup is building layers of taste. Start by browning the sausage well; this adds depth. Then, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, as they release wonderful flavors into the broth.
- Be patient when sautéing; it enhances sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t skip the simmering step after adding the broth and seasonings. This allows the ingredients to mingle beautifully.
Finally, finish the soup with fresh ingredients like spinach and Parmesan for that fresh flavor blast right before serving!
How to Make Delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a quick yet satisfying meal you can whip up in about 35 minutes total. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for your soup.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the sausage. Sauté everything together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. The aroma is going to be fantastic!
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juices!). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time to add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and floating. Yum!
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Once the tortellini are done, stir in the heavy cream and the fresh baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that lovely, creamy flavor. It adds an extra layer of yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy every cozy spoonful of your Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup!
This soup is perfect for a chilly day and warms the heart. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add them to the soup straight from the freezer and cook a couple of minutes longer than the package instructions suggest. They’ll be ready to enjoy in no time!
Is There a Way to Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. It will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so without the cream and spinach. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and stir in the cream and spinach just before serving.
