Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of my favorite cozy, one-pot meals. It’s rich, flavorful, and full of comforting ingredients like Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy broth infused with garlic and herbs. I love how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it feels on a chilly evening — every spoonful tastes like a warm embrace.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, hearty, and incredibly flavorful without needing much effort. The combination of sausage and cheese tortellini makes it filling enough for a full meal, and the creamy tomato base gives it a luscious texture that’s hard to resist. It’s also a great dish to make ahead since the flavors only get better with time. Whether I’m feeding family, guests, or just myself, this soup always feels like comfort in a bowl. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on my mood)
olive oil
yellow onion, diced
garlic, minced
tomato paste
crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
chicken broth
Italian seasoning
red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
salt and black pepper
refrigerated cheese tortellini
fresh spinach (or kale for a slightly different flavor)
heavy cream
grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
I add the sausage and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, I drain any excess grease.
Next, I add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Then I stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
I stir in the tortellini and cook until it’s tender, usually about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the tortellini is cooked, I add the spinach and let it wilt in the hot broth.
I pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is creamy and well combined.
Finally, I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It usually takes me around 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 35 minutes total.

Variations

I like experimenting with this soup depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap spinach for kale or add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a spicy twist, I choose hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne. And when I’m craving more richness, I stir in a bit more Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat it on the stovetop, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up since the tortellini tends to absorb liquid as it sits. I’ve also frozen it before adding the tortellini — when I’m ready to eat, I just reheat the base, add fresh tortellini, and cook it right in the broth. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, I can! I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until the tortellini is fully cooked and tender.

What kind of sausage works best?

I usually go with Italian sausage — mild or spicy, depending on what I’m craving. Chicken or turkey sausage also works well if I want a lighter option.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make the soup base ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I reheat it and add the tortellini so it stays perfectly tender.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If I want it creamier, I simmer it uncovered for a few minutes or add a little more Parmesan or cream to thicken the broth.

What should I serve with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?

I love serving it with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad — something to balance the richness and soak up the creamy broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of those meals that feels special even on a regular weeknight. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor from the sausage, tortellini, and creamy tomato broth. I love how easy it is to make and how it never fails to impress anyone I share it with. This is one recipe I always keep in rotation when I want something cozy, hearty, and delicious.