EASIEST CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP

I can almost smell my grandmother’s kitchen when I think about this soup. Every Sunday, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory sausage would fill the air, a promise of warmth and family. Now, I carry on the tradition, and my kids request this comforting meal weekly. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most heartwarming Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Guide to Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Okay, friends, let’s dive into one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little pick-me-up. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to customize to your liking, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I promise you, this recipe will become a staple in your household.

What makes this soup so special? It’s the combination of rich, flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy, tomato-based broth. Every spoonful is an explosion of deliciousness. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Soup

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Customizable: Swap out the sausage, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s your soup – make it your own!
• Comfort Food at Its Finest: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and this one delivers in spades.
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this soup. The cheesy tortellini and savory sausage are always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably already have many of these on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Italian Sausage: I prefer using sweet Italian sausage, but you can use mild or hot depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casings. About 1 pound.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are the foundation of any good soup. You’ll need 1 medium onion, diced, and 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Canned Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes is the key to the rich tomato base. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes give the soup a smoother texture.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth provide the liquid base for the soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the heavy cream will give you the best results.
• Cheese Tortellini: A 9-ounce package of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini is perfect. You can also use other fillings, such as spinach or meat tortellini.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the soup. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth and complexity to the soup. About 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Soup!

Alright, now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup in no time. I’ll guide you through every step of the way.

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. You want the sausage to be nicely browned because that adds a ton of flavor to the soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! The onion should be translucent and soft, and the garlic should smell amazing.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Season and Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
5. Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes. The tortellini should be tender and cooked through.
6. Stir in the Cream: Gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat through but do not boil. Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle, so keep the heat low and stir gently.
7. Add Parmesan: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. A dollop of sour cream is also a delicious addition.

Success Tips for the Perfect Soup

Here are a few of my secret weapons to ensure your Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a resounding success every single time:

• Choose High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of this soup, so invest in a good-quality Italian sausage. Look for sausage that is made with natural ingredients and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth is crucial for developing the flavor of the soup. This step releases their natural sweetness and aromas.
• Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: The longer you simmer the soup, the more the flavors will meld together. I recommend simmering it for at least 15 minutes, but you can simmer it for up to an hour for even better flavor.
• Add the Cream at the End: Adding the heavy cream at the end of the cooking process prevents it from curdling. Gently heat it through, but don’t let it boil.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the tortellini.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for a heartier soup.
• Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
• Use Different Tortellini: Experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or meat.
• Make it a Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a generous amount of fresh chopped basil at the end for a bright, herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato-based soups.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Top with a Dollop of Pesto: A spoonful of pesto adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

This soup is perfect for making ahead of time! The flavors actually develop and deepen as it sits. Here’s how to make it ahead and store leftovers:

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the tortellini and cream. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, bring the soup to a simmer, add the tortellini and cream, and heat through.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this soup, the tortellini can become a bit mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to freeze the soup *before* adding the tortellini and cream. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to a simmer, add the tortellini and cream, and heat through.

Other Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’re always on the hunt for new and delicious recipes. Here are a few of my other favorite cozy soup recipes that I think you’ll absolutely adore:

• For something equally comforting and creamy, try my CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP. It’s a quicker version that’s just as satisfying!
• If you’re craving something hearty and meaty, you’ll definitely want to check out my LASAGNA SOUP. It’s like lasagna in a bowl!
• For a taste of home, my CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP is a classic for a reason. It’s pure comfort food.
• And if you love sausage as much as I do, you MUST try my CREAMY DREAMY SAUSAGE SOUP. It’s incredibly rich and flavorful.
• Don’t forget about SAUSAGE POTATO CHOWDER it’s thick, creamy, and loaded with flavor!

Alternative Italian Flavors

Sometimes you want to add something different, or maybe you don’t have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some ideas to try!

• If you don’t have Italian Sausage, try making it with RICOTTA MEATBALLS.
• Add a dash of balsamic vinegar for some tang.
• Use fire roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine while cooking the onions and garlic.
• Swap the heavy cream for cream cheese for a richer taste.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup! I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this soup as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, friends!

Easiest Creamy Tortellini Soup

Amelia

This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make. With savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato broth, it’s a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 9 ounces cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish optional
• Optional: dollop of sour cream

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
• Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender and cooked through.
• Gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat through but do not boil.
• Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Add a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage. Sautéing the onion and garlic is crucial for developing the soup’s flavor. Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together, so don’t rush this step. Adding the heavy cream at the end prevents curdling. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before adding the tortellini and cream.