Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy tortellini and sausage soup, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. This recipe is a true family favorite, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Forget complicated cooking – this basic tortellini soup recipe is designed for ease and convenience, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels. Let’s dive into how you can create this hearty and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy tortellini and sausage soup, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. This recipe is a true family favorite, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in a surprisingly short amount of time. This basic tortellini soup recipe is designed for ease and convenience, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 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. Stir frequently until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
2. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Increase the heat back to medium. 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. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Then, add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts into the soup, which should take just a minute or two. The residual heat from the soup will be enough to wilt the spinach perfectly.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A crusty bread on the side makes for a perfect pairing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: italian-american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: soup, tortellini, sausage, creamy, weeknight, easy, comfort food, quick, dinner, italian
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This creamy tortellini and sausage soup is a weeknight hero for so many reasons. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a delicious meal without a lot of fuss. The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth creates a deeply satisfying experience that feels much more gourmet than the effort it requires. It’s an excellent choice for a chilly evening, a quick family dinner after school and work, or even a comforting lunch. This recipe is designed to be on your table in under 30 minutes, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean time-consuming. It’s also a fantastic way to get everyone around the table, as both kids and adults tend to adore the flavors and textures in this soup.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this creamy tortellini and sausage soup is straightforward, focusing on readily available items you can find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way a few key ingredients come together to create something truly special.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, 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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
For the Italian sausage, you can choose between mild or hot, depending on your family’s preference for spice. If you can’t find bulk sausage, simply buy Italian sausage links and remove the casings before cooking. Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth if you prefer, though chicken broth tends to offer a richer flavor profile. Any brand of refrigerated cheese tortellini will work wonderfully here; feel free to experiment with different cheese fillings if you like. If you don’t have fresh spinach, a cup of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can be used in a pinch, though fresh is preferred for texture.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is genuinely designed for speed and efficiency, making it a perfect fit for even the busiest evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from chopping an onion to serving a steaming bowl of this delicious soup. The key is having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this creamy tortellini and sausage soup is a breeze when you follow these simple steps. Pay attention to the visual cues to ensure perfect results every time.
- 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. Stir frequently until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Tortellini: Increase the heat back to medium. 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.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Then, add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts into the soup, which should take just a minute or two. The residual heat from the soup will be enough to wilt the spinach perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A crusty bread on the side makes for a perfect pairing.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This creamy tortellini and sausage soup is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.
For a kid-friendly twist, you can use mild Italian sausage and perhaps even a fun-shaped tortellini if you can find it. Many kids love dipping crusty bread into the creamy broth. If your children aren’t keen on spinach, you can omit it or blend it into the soup after cooking for a “hidden veggie” approach.
To boost the vegetable content, consider adding finely diced carrots or celery along with the onion in step 2. A handful of chopped bell peppers would also be a nice addition. For a richer, more complex flavor, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be sautéed with the garlic before adding the broth.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you could add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds extra protein and fiber.
For serving ideas, this soup is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a simple side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette for dipping are also excellent choices. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
Optional toppings can elevate the experience: a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, or even a dollop of pesto can add extra layers of flavor.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your creamy tortellini and sausage soup turns out perfectly every time.
One frequent mistake is overcooking the tortellini. Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly, often in just 3-5 minutes. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy and lose its pleasant chewiness. Always add the tortellini towards the end of the cooking process and follow the package instructions closely, checking for doneness often.
Not draining the sausage grease sufficiently can make your soup overly oily. After browning the sausage, be sure to carefully tip the pot and spoon out any excess rendered fat before adding the onions. A little fat is fine for flavor, but too much can make the soup greasy.
Adding the cream too early or boiling the soup after adding the cream can sometimes cause it to curdle, especially if using a lower-fat cream. To prevent this, always remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the heavy cream. The residual heat will be sufficient to warm the cream without bringing it to a boil.
Skipping the sautéing of onions and garlic might seem like a time-saver, but these aromatics are crucial for building a deep flavor base. Properly browning the sausage and softening the vegetables before adding the liquids is essential for a well-rounded taste. Don’t rush these initial steps.
Finally, under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Different broths and sausages can vary in their sodium content, so always trust your palate.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This creamy tortellini and sausage soup is wonderful fresh, and with a few considerations, it can also be stored and enjoyed later.
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini may absorb more liquid and become softer over time, but the soup will still be delicious.
For reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may find that the soup has thickened considerably in the refrigerator. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously when reheating, especially if it contains cream, to prevent separation.
Making it ahead is possible, but with a small
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.
