Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini in a luscious, creamy broth enhanced by fire-roasted tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe shines as a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the creamy silkiness of heavy cream, these basics combine to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides rich, savory flavor and depth with a perfect balance of spices.
- Yellow onion (1 large, diced): Adds sweetness and a fragrant base that softens as it cooks.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Packs in aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the savory liquid base without overpowering other flavors.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (29 ounces, undrained): Bring a smoky, slightly sweet tang that brightens the soup.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together authentically.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat and earthiness.
- Cheese tortellini (16 ounces, fresh recommended): Creates a tender, cheesy bite that makes the soup truly special.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the soup its signature creamy texture and richness.
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish): Adds sharp, nutty notes at serving time.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Offers a burst of herbal freshness and pretty green color.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. This step releases the sausage’s flavorful oils and caramelizes the meat, creating the foundational richness for the soup. When browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease for a cleaner broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. The garlic should become fragrant without burning, adding a wonderful aromatic layer that melds beautifully with the sausage.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes including their juices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This combination balances savory, smoky, and herbal notes and sets the stage for a complex, comforting soup base.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the fresh cheese tortellini and let it simmer in the broth for about 5 minutes. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and absorbs flavors while staying tender and delightfully chewy. This is the moment the dish begins to feel hearty and filling.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let the soup cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cream is fully incorporated and the soup is heated through. The crease of creaminess here transforms the soup into a velvety, indulgent experience that’s absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a perfect finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl. It adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the creamy broth. Fresh basil leaves not only enhance the aroma but also provide a vibrant pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the soup, while the salad balances the richness with crisp freshness, creating a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls to wow your guests with presentation and coziness. For gatherings, keep the soup warm in a slow cooker and offer a variety of garnishes so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious.
Freezing
Because of the cream and pasta, freezing is best done before adding the cream. Freeze the sausage, broth, and tomato base separately in portions. When ready to eat, thaw and cook the tortellini directly in the soup, then finish with the cream for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much, maintaining that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage will add a bit more heat and a bold kick to the soup. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the spice.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time since it takes a bit longer to cook through than fresh tortellini.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes are a fine substitute. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky element, but the soup will still be delicious without them.
Can this soup be made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, then add the liquids and cook on pressure for a few minutes before adding tortellini and cream. Slow cookers will need adjustments for sautéing and timing but work great for hands-off cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is my go-to when I want something quick, delicious, and totally satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty, with a touch of Italian flair that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as well!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup combines robust flavors with simple preparation to deliver a satisfying bowl of warmth and indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild), casing removed if using links
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage while breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the soup from being too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to blend the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through according to package instructions.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through and become creamy without boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less rich.
- Fresh tortellini is recommended for the best texture, but frozen tortellini can be used as well.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
