Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. With tender cheese-filled pasta, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach all simmered in a creamy broth, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or casual entertaining. Let’s break it down step by step and learn a few tricks to elevate your cooking.
List of Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including the liquid
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cheese-filled tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Preparation Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the Italian sausage. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. The sausage should be browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep the soup balanced and not overly oily.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. The garlic should be fragrant but not burned, as this forms the flavorful base of your soup.
Simmering the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their liquid. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adding Cream and Seasoning
Once the broth has simmered, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.
Cooking the Tortellini
Gently add the cheese-filled tortellini to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 7–9 minutes, until they are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the tortellini from sticking together.
Incorporating the Spinach
Once the tortellini are cooked, add the chopped spinach. Stir it into the soup until it wilts, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Spinach adds a vibrant color and a nutritious boost to the dish.
Final Adjustments and Serving
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve it hot in bowls and, if desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Preparation Time and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 475 per serving
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks faster and has a better texture than frozen or dried versions. If using frozen tortellini, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk. Alternatively, for an even richer flavor, use half-and-half with a dollop of cream cheese stirred in.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine after sautéing the onion and garlic to deglaze the pot and enhance the soup’s depth.
- Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive its consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have tortellini?
No problem! You can use any pasta or even gnocchi. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I freeze this soup?
While the broth freezes well, the tortellini and spinach might not retain their texture. If you plan to freeze the soup, omit the tortellini and spinach and add them fresh when reheating.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To lighten the recipe, use lean turkey sausage, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
Enjoy this creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup as a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!