CREAMY SAUSAGE TORTELLINI HEAVEN

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a soup that truly warmed my soul. It was a chilly autumn evening, and my grandma, the queen of comfort food, had whipped up a pot of something magical. The aroma alone filled the kitchen with happiness, and that first spoonful? Pure bliss. It reminded me of that feeling every time I make this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup- Easy Dinner. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup- Easy Dinner you’ll ever make! I promise, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Your New Weeknight Hero

Okay, friend, let’s talk about soup. Not just any soup, but the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a cozy blanket. We’re talking about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. But not just any version – we’re making it an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, it’s comforting, it’s unbelievably delicious, and it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Trust me on this one!

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup so special? Here’s the breakdown:

• It’s Fast: From start to finish, you can have this soup on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
• It’s Flavorful: The combination of savory sausage, creamy broth, and cheesy tortellini is an absolute symphony of flavors.
• It’s Flexible: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Swap out the sausage, add different veggies, or use a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
• It’s Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze it for later. You’ll thank yourself on those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry; I’ve kept it simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced
• Celery: 2 stalks celery, diced
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick)
• Cheese Tortellini: 1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (because everything is better with Parmesan!)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions you can make:

• Sausage: Use ground beef, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works just as well.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or even milk can be used, but the soup won’t be quite as creamy.
• Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens are great substitutes.
• Tortellini: If you are dairy-free use a non-dairy tortellini.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup.

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Trust me, that aroma is the best part!
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
5. Add the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
6. Stir in the Cream and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, or it may curdle.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Soup

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your soup is a resounding success:

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, so be sure to follow the package directions and check them frequently.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup. Choose good-quality sausage, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth.
• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key to a great soup. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is a great base, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Add a splash of wine, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Take it up a notch with some homemade garlic bread.
• Side Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Make it a Feast: Pairing with Other Recipes

Craving a little something extra with your soup? Think about pairing it with a simple appetizer, or side. If you want a hearty soup with similar Italian flavors, try my CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP. I also love serving this soup with a simple side salad. If you’re in the mood for more creamy soups, check out my recipe for CREAMY POTATO SOUP—it’s another one of my all-time favorites. For something on the lighter side, PASTA FAGIOLI is a great option! It’s always nice to have options that cater to everyone’s preferences!

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:

• Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Be careful not to overheat it, or the cream may curdle.
• Freezing: While this soup is freezer-friendly, the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for Freezing Success

Freezing can be a lifesaver, but here are some tips to ensure your soup freezes and reheats beautifully:

• Cool Completely: Always let the soup cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Leave Room for Expansion: Liquid expands when frozen, so leave a little room at the top of the container to prevent it from bursting.
• Label and Date: Label each container with the date and contents so you know what it is and when it was frozen.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier soup.
• Creamy Tomato: Add a can of crushed tomatoes for a richer, tomatoey flavor.
• Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Pesto Power: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest for brightness.
• Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
• Add Beans: White beans or cannellini beans can add a hearty element.

Remember the time I tried adding roasted red peppers to a similar soup? It was a game changer! If you like a smoky depth to your soups, try that too!

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Soup

There you have it! Your very own recipe for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup that’s not only easy but utterly delicious. I hope this becomes your new weeknight go-to meal, just like it is for my family. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a soup that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a quick, comforting, and flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying and customizable dish perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Equipment

• large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Ladle
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
7. Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the sausage well and allow the soup to simmer for a longer period (up to 30 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is possible, but the texture of the tortellini may change slightly. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh taste.