This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with bold flavors. Featuring savory sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or a satisfying meal any time of year.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful:ย The combination of sausage, tortellini, and cream creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Simple and Quick:ย Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Customizable:ย Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, sausages, or even make it vegetarian.
- Perfect Comfort Food:ย Warm, creamy, and satisfying, this soup is ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground Italian sausage
- Fresh tortellini (cheese-filled works best)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Spinach or kale
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sautรฉ the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and tortellini, cooking until the tortellini are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through without boiling.
- Add the spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 6
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian:ย Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Substitute the tortellini with a vegetarian variety.
- Spicy Kick:ย Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Extra Veggies:ย Include zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Dairy-Free:ย Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
FAQs
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini or cream. Add these fresh when reheating for the best texture.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage is ideal, but you can use any ground sausage, including chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can work in a pinch.
Can I use dried tortellini?
Yes, but dried tortellini will require a longer cooking time.
What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of dried Italian seasoning.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sautรฉ the vegetables first, then add everything except the cream and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the cream and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy!
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sautรฉ until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pot and incorporate the flour.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Tortellini and Greens:
- Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the soup back to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender and cooked through.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped spinach or kale, stirring until wilted.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Sausage Options:ย Feel free to use your preferred type of Italian sausageโmild or hotโto suit your taste.
- Tortellini:ย Both fresh and frozen cheese tortellini work well; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the desired consistency.
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