Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights, combining rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and a satisfying texture. This easy-to-make soup brings together the savory taste of Italian sausage, the creamy richness of half-and-half, and the pillowy texture of fresh tortellini. The addition of garlic, fennel seeds, and Italian seasoning infuses the broth with a delightful depth of flavor, while fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this soup will surely be a hit.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few staple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing. It’s an ideal meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. The combination of sausage and tortellini makes this soup hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The creamy broth envelops each bite of sausage and pasta, making every spoonful warm and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The creamy combination of chicken broth and half-and-half creates a luscious base, perfectly complementing the savory Italian sausage and fresh tortellini.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights when you want a comforting and hearty meal without a lot of effort.

3. Packed with Flavor

The blend of spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds gives the broth a unique, full-bodied flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the seasonings, add more vegetables, or even use different types of sausage, making this soup adaptable to your tastes.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and the flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Small white onion, diced
• Sweet Italian sausage
• Garlic, minced
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Fennel seeds
• Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• Chicken broth
• Half and half
• Fresh cheese tortellini
• Fresh baby spinach

Variations

• Spicy Sausage: For a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and replace it with roasted vegetables or use a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute kale or swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
• Low-Fat Version: To reduce the richness of the soup, you can use low-fat milk or skim milk in place of half-and-half.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and kosher salt. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and infuse the oil.

Step 4: Make the Soup Base

Add the chicken broth and half-and-half to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini and Sausage

Once the soup is simmering, add the fresh tortellini and cooked sausage back into the pot. Continue simmering until the tortellini is tender and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and add more salt if needed. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini while it’s simmering to avoid overcooking. Fresh tortellini typically cooks quickly, so check the texture around 5 minutes.
• Use Fresh Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality sweet Italian sausage. You can also experiment with different sausage varieties such as chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you’d like more vegetables in your soup, consider adding diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the onion and garlic.
• Season to Taste: The spices in this soup are key to its depth of flavor, but you can always adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

How to Serve

Sausage tortellini soup can be served as a complete meal on its own, especially when paired with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. If you want to add a fresh element, serve it alongside a green salad with a light vinaigrette. This soup also works well as part of a cozy dinner spread for family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage tortellini soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the liquid, but the soup will still taste delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the tortellini may become mushy once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider storing the soup base (broth, sausage, spinach) separately from the tortellini, and add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if the soup is too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the sausage and onions in a skillet, then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients (except the spinach and tortellini). Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the spinach and tortellini in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

3. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage if you prefer.

4. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half for a richer, creamier soup.

5. Can I use a different green instead of spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula are great alternatives to spinach. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces if necessary.

6. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the soup a little heat.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance. It actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

8. How do I make this soup dairy-free?

You can use a non-dairy milk such as coconut milk or almond milk and omit the half-and-half. Make sure to use dairy-free tortellini.

9. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers are excellent additions to this soup.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

While you can freeze it, the tortellini may become mushy after thawing. It’s better to freeze the soup base separately and add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Conclusion

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ideal dish for cozy nights when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With a rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach, it’s a one-pot meal that’s satisfying and full of delicious flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, make-ahead lunches, or a family gathering, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you serve it as a standalone meal or with a side of bread, it’s guaranteed to warm both the body and soul.

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