This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s packed with flavor and comfort.
Honestly, this soup is a lifesaver on chilly days. I love whipping it up in just one pot, letting those ingredients mingle while the house fills with delicious smells!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use either mild or spicy based on your taste. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too! You can also skip the meat and use mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, you might consider low-sodium chicken broth. If you’re vegetarian, veggie broth or even water can serve just fine.
Heavy Cream: I like the richness that heavy cream gives, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk will work. Coconut milk is also a great dairy-free alternative!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but if you don’t have it, kale or frozen spinach (thawed and drained) will do. It’s all about what you have on hand!
How Do You Cook Italian Sausage Without It Becoming Greasy?
The secret is simple: remove excess fat! When you cook Italian sausage, it’s important to break it apart in the pan as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly and prevents it from becoming too greasy. Here’s how:
- Start by cooking your sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- If there’s a lot of grease in the pan, carefully spoon out the excess fat. This keeps the soup from being too oily.
- After draining, add the onion and garlic for amazing flavor to soak into the sausage!
How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 35 minutes, you can serve a delightful meal that’s perfect for cozy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat after cooking, feel free to drain some off!
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, toss in the diced onion and let it cook with the sausage until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until that garlicky aroma fills the air!
3. Building the Soup:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juices included), the chicken broth, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend all those wonderful flavors.
4. Cooking the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time to add the tortellini. Stir it into the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they float and are tender.
5. Finishing Touches:
Pour in the heavy cream and toss in the chopped spinach. Cook just a couple of minutes more, until the spinach has wilted. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serving the Soup:
Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the soup, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes until they are tender and cooked through. No need to thaw them beforehand!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for This Soup?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just ensure to stir well to mix it throughout the soup—it adds a lovely creaminess without the dairy!
