Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 16 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, see note)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups refrigerated cheese tortellini (packed)
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional, packed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–10 minutes, or until browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot. Discard any excess grease.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion and celery to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.

Step 3: Add Flour and Garlic

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, and the cooked sausage back to the pot.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the tortellini are tender.

Step 6: Add Cream and Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the spinach, stirring until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy broth and hearty tortellini make this soup incredibly satisfying.
• Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make this perfect for weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

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Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Add the tortellini toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter broth.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for variety.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add Heat: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, but cook the tortellini separately and add them to the soup just before serving to maintain their texture.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Cream-based soups don’t always freeze well, but you can freeze it before adding the cream. When reheating, stir in the cream and spinach.

Q: Can I use dry tortellini instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions for dry tortellini.

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Serving and Suggestions

Pair this soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also makes a great accompaniment. For a cozy family meal, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon. Perfect for casual dinners or meal prep!