Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Easy Weeknight Meal

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is the ultimate answer to those busy weeknights when you need a comforting, flavorful meal on the table fast.

It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Forget complicated recipes and endless prep; this soup is designed for speed and ease without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for feeding hungry crowds or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

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1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. 1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.

2. 2. Saute Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Saute for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. 3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. 4. Add Tortellini: Carefully add the refrigerated tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the tortellini mushy.

5. 5. Stir in Cream and Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined, giving the soup its rich, creamy texture. Add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the hot soup, which should only take about 1-2 minutes.

6. 6. Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: italian-american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl

Keywords: sausage, tortellini, soup, creamy, easy, weeknight, one-pot, comfort food, spinach, italian

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy tortellini sausage soup is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule. What makes it so appealing is its incredible balance of convenience and flavor. It’s designed to be a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your time. This recipe is perfect for families with diverse palates, as the mild Italian sausage and cheesy tortellini are generally crowd-pleasers, even for picky eaters. You can serve it as a hearty main course on a chilly evening, a quick lunch, or even as a comforting dish to bring to a potluck. It’s particularly great for those nights when you need something wholesome and warm but only have about 30 minutes to spare. The rich, creamy texture and savory depth make it feel much more indulgent than it actually is to prepare.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this soup is straightforward, focusing on readily available items you can find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring no exotic spices or hard-to-find produce.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

For simple substitutions, if you prefer a bit of a kick, you can easily swap mild Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can also be used for a lighter version, though you might need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference. If you don’t have fresh spinach, a cup of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works well, or you can use kale for a more robust leafy green. Feel free to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you prefer, which will make the soup vegetarian-friendly (just ensure your tortellini is also meat-free). Any type of refrigerated tortellini will work, whether it’s cheese, spinach and ricotta, or even meat-filled, depending on your preference.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy sausage tortellini soup is a breeze. Follow these steps for a delicious meal every time.

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Tortellini: Carefully add the refrigerated tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the tortellini mushy.
5. Stir in Cream and Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined, giving the soup its rich, creamy texture. Add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the hot soup, which should only take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use milder sausage or even ground beef, and ensure the tortellini is a simple cheese variety. Kids often love dipping crusty bread into the creamy broth. For a heartier meal, consider adding a can of drained cannellini beans or a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions. You could also stir in some roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor and color.

When serving, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely fresh note. A side of warm garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a complete and satisfying meal. This soup is also fantastic for a casual buffet-style gathering; simply keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting, and let guests serve themselves. Optional toppings beyond Parmesan include a dollop of pesto, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or even some crispy fried onions for texture.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for when making this creamy sausage tortellini soup:

• Overcooking the Tortellini: This is probably the most frequent mistake. Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly, often in just 3-5 minutes. If you cook it too long, it will become mushy and lose its pleasant chew. Add it only after the broth has simmered and is ready, and keep a close eye on it.
• Not Draining Sausage Grease: Italian sausage can release a fair amount of fat. Failing to drain the excess grease can make your soup oily and less pleasant. Always drain the fat after browning the sausage for a cleaner, richer broth.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks much faster than onions. Add it towards the end of the onion sautéing process, and cook only until fragrant, usually about 30-60 seconds. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the flavor of your soup.
• Adding Cream Too Early: Heavy cream is best added at the very end, after the soup has simmered and is removed from direct high heat. Boiling cream vigorously can sometimes cause it to curdle or separate, especially if you’re using a lower-fat alternative. Stir it in gently until just combined.
• Under-Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Broths can vary in saltiness, and your personal preference matters. Taste the soup after it has simmered and again after adding the cream and spinach. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy sausage tortellini soup stores quite well, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini might absorb some of the broth and become a bit softer over time, but it will still be delicious.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk or cream while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Make Ahead: While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the base ahead of time. Cook the sausage, onion, and garlic, then add the broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer, cool, and store this base in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, bring the base to a simmer, then add the tortellini, cream, and spinach, finishing the recipe as directed. This method helps prevent the tortellini from becoming overly soft if made too far in advance.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated? Yes, you can! If using frozen tortellini, you’ll likely need to cook it for a few minutes longer than refrigerated tortellini.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.