Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with flavorful sausage and tender cheese-filled tortellini. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe is a family favorite, and for good reason! It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is the perfect choice.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This soup comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and creamy broth creates a symphony of flavors.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses.
* **Comforting:** A warm bowl of this creamy soup is the perfect way to chase away the chill on a cold day.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors and textures of this soup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, removed from casings. You can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds a savory base to the soup.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped. Provides sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Adds a subtle celery flavor.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced. Essential for adding aromatic flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups. Forms the base of the soup. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained. Adds acidity and flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
* **Dried Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the soup to your liking.
* **Cheese Tortellini:** 1 (20 ounce) package, fresh or frozen. Adds a delicious cheesy element to the soup.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Creates a rich and creamy texture.
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, roughly chopped. Adds a boost of nutrients and color.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For garnish (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:

**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink pieces remaining. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pot, as it will add flavor to the vegetables.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This process is called sautéing, and it helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Build the Soup Base**

* Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato paste. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, add a lot of flavor to the soup.
* Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.

**Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors**

* Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmering helps to create a more complex and flavorful soup.

**Step 5: Add the Tortellini**

* Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw them first. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.

**Step 6: Make it Creamy**

* Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup, while the spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.
* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to the soup.
* **Use different sausage:** Try using chorizo or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add a can of white beans for protein.
* **Add cheese:** Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end for extra cheesiness.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Make it lighter:** Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the tortellini, cream, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
* **Freezer Friendly:** This soup can be frozen for later enjoyment. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Crusty bread:** For dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Garlic bread:** A classic pairing with soup.
* **Side salad:** A light and refreshing complement to the rich soup.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A comforting and satisfying combination.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. No need to thaw them before adding them to the soup. Just add them directly to the simmering soup and cook according to the package directions.

**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. The flavors actually develop more as it sits. Just be aware that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

**Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: This soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or even turkey sausage.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the soup. Some good options include zucchini, mushrooms, kale, or bell peppers.

**Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?**
A: To make this soup dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.*

## Print the Recipe

Enjoy this incredibly delicious and comforting Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out and bring your family together. Happy cooking!