Description
This rich and comforting sausage tortellini soup features Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tomato broth. Perfect as a hearty one-pot dinner, it comes together in just 35 minutes for a satisfying meal that’s full of Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
Pantry & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy soup base.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to release the flavors but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
- Add Greens and Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and heavy cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have wilted and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory finish.
Notes
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
- For a lighter soup, use turkey sausage and substitute half-and-half for the cream.
- Tortellini softens the longer it sits, so this soup is best enjoyed fresh.
- If reheating, add extra broth or water as the soup tends to thicken over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
