Creamy Tortellini Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for cooler days when you crave something warm and filling. This soup features mild Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini simmered in a creamy broth infused with herbs and spices. The addition of tomato paste and white wine gives the soup a depth of flavor, while fresh spinach adds a touch of color and nutrition. Parmesan and parsley sprinkled on top provide a fresh, savory finish.

This soup is easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. The creamy texture balanced with the savory sausage and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying one-pot meal. It’s also versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and hearty

Perfect for chilly days or when you want a cozy meal.

Flavor-packed

Italian sausage, fennel seed, and tomato paste create deep, rich flavors.

Creamy and satisfying

Half-and-half or heavy cream makes the broth silky smooth.

Packed with veggies

Onions, celery, carrots, and spinach add texture and nutrition.

Easy to customize

Swap sausage for turkey or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Ground mild Italian sausage
Yellow onion (diced)

Celery stalks (diced)
Carrots (peeled and diced)
Garlic cloves (minced)

Kosher sea salt
Ground black pepper
Italian seasoning

Fennel seed (crushed or chopped)
Tomato paste (6 oz. can)
Dry white wine

All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Refrigerated cheese tortellini

Half and half or heavy cream
Fresh spinach (chopped)
Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Fresh parsley (for serving)

Variations

Make it vegetarian

Omit sausage and use vegetable broth, add mushrooms for umami.

Use different sausage

Try spicy Italian or turkey sausage for varying heat and flavor.

Swap the pasta

Use gluten-free tortellini or small shells.

Add more veggies

Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for extra nutrition.

Make it dairy-free

Replace half and half with coconut milk and omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a large pot, cook ground Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed fennel seed. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.

Step 5

Pour in dry white wine and cook until reduced by half, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 6

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove raw taste.

Step 7

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 8

Return the cooked sausage to the pot and cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 9

Add refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 3-5 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in half and half or heavy cream and chopped fresh spinach. Heat gently until spinach wilts and soup is warmed through.

Step 11

Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use mild sausage for subtle flavor or spicy for a kick.

Crushing fennel seeds releases more aroma and flavor.
Adding flour helps thicken the soup for a creamy texture.
Use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.

Don’t overcook tortellini; add near the end to keep it tender.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. This soup is perfect as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze the soup without the tortellini to prevent texture changes, for up to 2 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup, cooking until tender.

2. Can I make this soup spicy?

Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Can I substitute ground turkey for sausage?

Yes, turkey works well and is a leaner option.

4. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Simmer longer uncovered or add a slurry of flour and water.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

6. Can I prepare this soup ahead?

Yes, prepare all components and combine when ready to serve.

7. What can I substitute for half and half?

Use heavy cream, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative.

8. How do I store leftovers with tortellini?

Leftover soup with tortellini stores fine but may thicken; add broth when reheating.

9. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, kale, or bell peppers work great.

10. How long does the soup last refrigerated?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Creamy Tortellini Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender cheese tortellini in a creamy, flavorful broth. Quick to prepare and satisfying to eat, it’s ideal for warming up on chilly days. With simple ingredients and versatile options for customization, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.