If you’re craving a cozy, hearty, and flavor-packed soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety cream broth, this soup delivers rich, satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Every spoonful offers a delicious blend of creamy texture, herbs, and cheesy pasta — making it a favorite for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cold-weather comfort meals. This one-pot soup is warming, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a family classic.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is creamy, savory, and loaded with texture.
- Rich, silky broth infused with sausage flavor.
- Tortellini adds cheesy, satisfying bites.
- Quick one-pot recipe — ready in under 40 minutes.
- Perfect balance of protein, veggies, and comfort.
- Great for busy nights and cold weather.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe elevates classic sausage soup with a creamy twist and the bright pop of fresh tortellini. It’s easy, filling, and packed with bold Italian flavors. The broth becomes naturally rich as the sausage simmers, and the tortellini absorb just enough flavor without becoming mushy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this soup looks impressive but requires simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for a pink broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- Parmesan, for serving
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season: Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 4–6 minutes).
- Make It Creamy: Add heavy cream and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and soup becomes silky.
- Finish & Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and ladle into bowls. Top with Parmesan and cracked pepper.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 940mg
Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor kick.
- Add cream at the end to avoid curdling.
- Don’t overcook tortellini — add them last.
- Wilt spinach right at the end for vibrant color.
- If you want a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Variations & Substitutions
- Tomato-Free Version: Skip diced tomatoes for pure creamy broth.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, kale, peas, or zucchini.
- Chicken Version: Swap sausage for cooked shredded chicken.
- Spicy Version: Add more chili flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini or mini GF gnocchi.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream (delicious, slightly sweet).
What to Serve with This Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic bread rolls
- Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad
- Toasted baguette slices
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding tortellini too early: It will become mushy.
- Boiling after adding cream: Can cause separation — keep heat low.
- Skipping seasoning: Tortellini and cream need salt and spices for balance.
- Overcrowding the pot: Use a large pot for even cooking.
- Not draining sausage fat: Soup can become greasy.
Storing Tips
- Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Tortellini continues to absorb broth — add extra broth when reheating.
- Freeze without tortellini (they get mushy). Add fresh tortellini after reheating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies your appetite with every spoonful. Rich, filling, and incredibly comforting, it brings together bold Italian sausage, tender vegetables, creamy broth, and cheesy tortellini for the perfect cozy dinner. Whether served on a cold night or enjoyed as a meal-prep favorite, this soup is guaranteed to become a repeat recipe.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes — add 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook sausage first, then add everything except cream, spinach, and tortellini. Add those in the last 20 minutes.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely — great for a lighter version.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends — use mild or spicy sausage depending on preference.
Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Yes — kale works beautifully but needs extra 5 minutes to soften.