Description
Creamy sausage and tortellini tomato soup is a rich, comforting one-pot meal loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a velvety tomato cream broth. This cozy and hearty soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly days, offering a delicious blend of Italian flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Soup Base
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Vegetables
- 10–12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, crusty bread
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed to avoid excess oiliness in the soup.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing the soup with aromatic spices.
- Combine Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. This step creates the creamy texture that makes the soup so comforting.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 3–5 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach: If using fresh spinach, stir it in now and cook until wilted to add a fresh green component to the dish.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or mild sausage for a family-friendly version.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter soup option.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables and more texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; note that tortellini may soften over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
