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Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a 25-minute meal that is filled with rich flavors and is so easy to make. Simply mix tortellini with sausage, onions, garlic, seasoning, and cream.

Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe

I love to serve dishes that have everything you need on one plate. Consider this meal a new family favorite! While most home cooks choose to make this dish during the colder months, I tend to make this one year-round. There’s just something so delicious about the combination that makes it impossible for me to wait for the winter season.

Creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup

Ingredients: 

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • one package 9 oz, refrigerated tortellini
  • crushed red pepper, optional for serving
sausage soup

Directions: 

In a large stockpot, add sausage, onion, and garlic and heat over medium-high heat until sausage is browned and onion is translucent. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Add seasonings, broth, and whipping cream. Mix well. 

Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cover, reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tortellini and spinach and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. 
Season with salt if desired and serve topped with crushed red pepper. 

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to customize a creamy tortellini sausage soup recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations you can try:

  1. Vegetarian Creamy Tortellini Soup:
    • Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
  2. Chicken and Mushroom Tortellini Soup:
    • Substitute chicken for the sausage and add sliced mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Use chicken broth and consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  3. Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup:
    • Increase the prominence of tomatoes by using crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce in addition to diced tomatoes. Add fresh basil for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
  4. Spicy Cajun Tortellini Soup:
    • Use spicy Italian sausage and add Cajun seasoning for a kick of heat. Include bell peppers, celery, and okra for a Cajun-inspired twist.
  5. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Soup:
    • Add chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach to the soup. Enhance the flavor with a touch of lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Pesto Tortellini Soup:
    • Stir in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for a burst of herby, garlicky flavor. You can make your own pesto or use a store-bought version.
  7. Lemon Garlic Tortellini Soup:
    • Add lemon zest and minced garlic to the broth for a bright and zesty flavor. Finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  8. Creamy Mushroom and Leek Tortellini Soup:
    • Sauté sliced leeks and mushrooms in butter before adding them to the soup. This adds a rich and earthy flavor to the dish.
  9. Sundried Tomato and Basil Tortellini Soup:
    • Incorporate chopped sundried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. The sundried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy element to the soup.
  10. Three Cheese Tortellini Soup:
    • Use three cheese tortellini and incorporate a blend of cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, and Asiago for a richer and cheesier flavor.
  11. Mexican Tortellini Soup:
    • Replace Italian sausage with chorizo and add Mexican-inspired spices like cumin and chili powder. Top the soup with diced avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas to create your own unique version of creamy tortellini sausage soup.

If you like to make soups, consider checking out my Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup, our Copycat Benihana Onion Soup, or my Loaded Baked Potato Soup! Yum!

what to make with tortellini

FAQs

  1. What ingredients do I need for creamy tortellini sausage soup?
    • Common ingredients include tortellini, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, spinach or kale, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
    • Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
  3. Should I use sweet or spicy Italian sausage?
    • It depends on your preference. Sweet Italian sausage tends to be milder, while spicy sausage adds heat. You can also use a combination of both for a balanced flavor.
  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. However, if you’re using tortellini, it’s best to cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  5. How do I store leftover soup?
    • Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 3-4 days.
  6. Can I freeze creamy tortellini sausage soup?
    • While the soup can be frozen, remember that the tortellini’s texture may change upon thawing. If possible, freeze the soup without the tortellini and add fresh or cooked tortellini when reheating.
  7. What are some optional additions or substitutions?
    • You can customize the soup by adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You may also substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  8. How do I make the soup less thick or more creamy?
    • Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream according to your preference. If you want it thicker, you can make a roux by combining equal parts flour and butter and whisking it into the soup.
  9. What side dishes pair well with creamy tortellini sausage soup?
    • Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments to this soup.
  10. Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
    • Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Remember to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your creamy tortellini sausage soup!

Tips and Variations:

  • My sausage seemed lean, so I didn’t bother to drain it. 
  • If your tortellini package says to cook for 5 minutes, you’ll need to revise the cooking time at the end. My package said to cook for 2 minutes. 
  • Substitute Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • If you are looking to cut down on the fat, feel free to omit the cream. This will adjust the consistency of the soup.
  • Top with parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor.

Common Issues Faced While Making This Recipe

While making a creamy tortellini sausage soup can be a delightful experience, some common problems may arise during the creation of this recipe. Here are a few issues you might encounter and suggestions on how to address them:

  1. Overcooking Tortellini:
    • One common problem is overcooking the tortellini, leading to a mushy texture. To avoid this, cook the tortellini separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
  2. Separation of Cream:
    • Sometimes, the cream in the soup may separate or curdle if exposed to high heat for too long. To prevent this, add the cream towards the end of the cooking process and ensure the soup is not boiling vigorously.
  3. Lack of Flavor:
    • If the soup lacks flavor, it might need more seasoning. Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly. You can also enhance the flavor by using high-quality broth and fresh herbs.
  4. Too Thick or Too Thin:
    • Achieving the right consistency can be a challenge. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, you can make a roux (butter and flour mixture) and whisk it in to thicken the soup.
  5. Sausage Overpowering Other Flavors:
    • If the sausage flavor is too strong, consider using a milder sausage or using a combination of sweet and spicy sausages. You can also decrease the amount of sausage or balance it with more vegetables.
  6. Vegetables Overcooked:
    • Overcooking vegetables can result in a loss of color, flavor, and nutrients. Add vegetables like spinach or kale to preserve their vibrancy and texture towards the end of the cooking time.
  7. Not Enough Liquid:
    • If the soup is too thick or there isn’t enough liquid, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  8. Storage and Reheating Issues:
    • If you plan to store leftovers, consider keeping the tortellini separate to prevent them from becoming mushy. When reheating, add more broth or water, as the soup may thicken upon refrigeration.
sausage soup

Tortellini Sausage Soup

Yield: 6
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a 25-minute meal that is filled with rich flavors and is so easy to make. Simply mix tortellini with sausage, onions, garlic, seasoning, and cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • one package 9 oz, refrigerated tortellini
  • crushed red pepper, optional for serving

Instructions

    1. In a large stockpot, add sausage, onion, and garlic and heat over medium-high heat until sausage is browned and onion is translucent. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Add seasonings, broth, and whipping cream. Mix well. 
    2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cover, reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tortellini and spinach and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt if desired and serve topped with crushed red pepper. 
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 564Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1524mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 24g

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