When the weather begins to cool and the days grow shorter, there’s something magical about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove. Few recipes embody that sense of warmth and comfort quite like Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese. It’s hearty without being heavy, rich yet balanced, and packed with cozy flavors that feel like home. Filled with tender cheese tortellini, golden-browned sausage, and vibrant spinach stirred into a creamy broth, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal for the week.
Whether you’re craving a comforting spinach tortellini soup or looking for a quick meal to prepare in your Instant Pot, this recipe captures everything you love about homemade cooking—simple ingredients, rustic flavor, and a bowl that warms you from the inside out. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to discover why this cheese tortellini soup has become a favorite in so many homes.
It’s the kind of meal that reminds you home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bring a restaurant-worthy dish to your own table, filling the house with aromas that make everyone eager for dinner time again.
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Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with this cozy Creamy Tortellini Soup featuring cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh spinach for a rich and hearty homemade soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, break up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in tortellini and cook until tender according to package directions.
5. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and spinach, and cook until spinach is wilted.
6. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: creamy tortellini soup, spinach tortellini soup, cheese tortellini soup, tortellini soup recipe, homemade soup recipe, instant pot tortellini soup
Why This Creamy Tortellini Soup Feels Like Home
A Family Tradition in Every Spoon
It started on one of those gray winter evenings when the first chill of the season crept into the house. The kind of night that calls for fuzzy socks, soft sweaters, and a comforting bowl of soup. That’s when Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese made its first appearance in my kitchen. The sausage sizzled gently in the pot, filling the air with its savory aroma, while onions and garlic softened, releasing that irresistible home-cooked scent.
A rich broth bubbled away as I stirred in plump, cheese-filled tortellini and tender spinach leaves that wilted perfectly into the creamy base. Within minutes, the kitchen was filled with warmth—not just from the stove, but from the laughter of family gathering around the table. We each had a steaming bowl of spinach tortellini soup in front of us, and before long, everyone agreed it was a keeper. Since then, this cheese tortellini soup has become a staple—our go-to recipe whenever we need a quick, hearty dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The Secret Behind the Perfect Tortellini Soup Recipe
What makes this tortellini soup recipe so special isn’t just how creamy and flavorful it is—it’s how effortlessly it comes together. The balance between the rich, velvety broth and the freshness of spinach gives it that perfect homemade touch. The cheese-filled tortellini soak up just enough flavor, creating little bursts of creamy goodness in every bite.
Even better, this homemade soup recipe easily adapts to your schedule. You can prepare it in a traditional pot for a slow, cozy cook or use the Instant Pot tortellini soup method for a quick, weeknight shortcut. Either way, you’ll end up with a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon.
It’s the combination of flavor, comfort, and convenience that transforms a simple pot of soup into something memorable—a dish that brings everyone together and reminds you that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that make you slow down and savor every spoonful.
Making the Creamiest Tortellini Soup
Gather Your Ingredients for Spinach Tortellini Soup
Before you begin cooking, take a moment to gather the essentials for your Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese. This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in one pot. The combination of sausage, creamy broth, tender tortellini, and bright spinach creates a meal that’s comforting yet fresh.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning the sausage and sautéing aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – adds richness and flavor
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, for a slightly tangy base)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale, for a heartier green)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for that final touch of cheesy flavor
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Any neutral oil works |
| Italian sausage | 1 lb | Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option |
| Onion | 1 small | Yellow or sweet onions recommended |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Adjust to taste |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Vegetable broth for vegetarian version |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | Optional for depth |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Add basil or oregano if desired |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Optional spice kick |
| Tortellini (cheese-filled) | 9 oz | Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen |
| Spinach | 2 cups | Kale or Swiss chard also work |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Half-and-half or evaporated milk for lighter version |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Adds richness and saltiness |
This spinach tortellini soup is easy to customize. Swap pork sausage for chicken sausage, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of diced for a tangier flavor, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The beauty of this cheese tortellini soup lies in how effortlessly it adapts to what’s already in your fridge.
How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup Step-by-Step
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Cook the tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package directions (about 5–7 minutes) until tender but not soggy.
- Add cream and greens: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt in about a minute.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tools you’ll need: large soup pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, soup ladle, measuring cups and spoons.
Tips: Add the cream after removing the soup from direct heat to prevent curdling. If the soup thickens, thin it with a splash of broth or milk. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days for even deeper flavor.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Once your Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese is ready, it’s time to bring it to the table. This comforting spinach tortellini soup pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its creaminess.
For the ultimate cozy dinner, serve it with warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the rich broth. The crisp bite of a Caesar salad balances out the texture, while a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. For something heartier, serve with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
For family dinners, serve the soup in individual bowls topped with grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Garnish with baby spinach leaves or chopped herbs for a restaurant-style presentation. For meal prep, portion the cheese tortellini soup into airtight containers—it reheats easily and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Delicious Variations to Try Next Time
- Vegetarian Spinach Tortellini Soup: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or carrots for a hearty twist.
- Spicy Creamy Tortellini Soup: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to add a gentle kick that highlights the creamy base.
- Instant Pot Tortellini Soup: Sauté directly in the pot, add broth and seasonings, then pressure cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in tortellini, cream, and spinach after for a quick one-pot version.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for fewer calories without losing creaminess.
- Flavor Boosters: Stir in pesto or top with crispy bacon bits for added depth and crunch.
Whether you stick with the original recipe or try new twists, Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese proves endlessly adaptable—perfect for every craving and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen tortellini work perfectly. Add them straight to the simmering broth, cooking 2–3 minutes longer until tender.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered to reduce or stir in a cornstarch slurry mixed with cream for a thicker texture.
Can I make this tortellini soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the broth and cooked tortellini separately to keep the pasta firm, then combine when reheating.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Try half-and-half, milk with a bit of cream cheese, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. All keep the homemade soup recipe silky and smooth.
How long does homemade tortellini soup last in the fridge?
Keep it in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the creamy consistency.
A Bowl of Comfort Anytime
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese to bring comfort to a busy day. This homemade soup recipe delivers rich creaminess, flavorful sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach in every bite.
Whether made on the stovetop or as an Instant Pot tortellini soup, it’s a dish that feels like an embrace from the inside out. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cozy meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Grab your pot, pour a steaming ladle into your bowl, and savor the comfort of this Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Cheese—a timeless family favorite waiting to warm your table week after week.
