This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, soft tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s a comforting meal that’s full of flavor.
Perfect for chilly days, this soup comes together quickly. I love how it warms me up and fills my belly without much fuss. Who needs takeout when you can whip this up in no time? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken or turkey sausage works well too. I often use turkey sausage as it gives a lighter option without compromising flavor.
Cheese Tortellini: The recipe calls for refrigerated tortellini, which is great for convenience. You can substitute frozen tortellini or even homemade if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. I like the creaminess heavy cream provides, but if you’re watching your calories, the other options work nicely too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the soup.
How Do I Cook Sausage Perfectly for Soup?
Cooking sausage correctly is key to maximizing flavor in your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown nicely and adds more flavor.
- Cook until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes, then remove it with a slotted spoon. This prevents it from becoming dry.
- Don’t clean the pot! The brown bits left behind add a rich depth to the soup.
Cooking the sausage properly gives this soup a delicious base that you won’t want to skip! Enjoy making your Sausage Tortellini Soup! 😊
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Sausage Tortellini Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So, in just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful meal on your table that serves about 4-6 people. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
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 to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. This will help keep it juicy!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot (don’t clean it, those tasty bits are flavor!), add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, add the undrained diced tomatoes, and sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. If you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, which allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Tortellini:
Next, add the cheese tortellini to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
5. Stir in Spinach and Cream:
Once the tortellini is ready, lower the heat and add the fresh spinach along with the heavy cream. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
6. Finish Off with Parmesan:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, making it creamy and delicious. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with more grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper if you like. Enjoy your warm, comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup—it’s perfect for cozy dinners with loved ones!
Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just remember that frozen tortellini might take a few extra minutes to cook. Follow the package instructions for the best results, and make sure it’s cooked until tender.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Soup?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Stored in an airtight container, the leftovers will last in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this comforting soup without worrying about gluten!
