Description
A rich and creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup made with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a tomato-based broth—perfect for beginners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, sauté the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 7–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tbsp of fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour and avoid lumps. Scrape the pot bottom to release flavor bits.
- Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until tortellini are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, add the spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use half-and-half as a lighter cream alternative, but avoid low-fat milk to prevent curdling.
- Store leftovers without the tortellini to prevent sogginess when reheating.
- Frozen tortellini can be used—just extend the cook time.
- This soup is very flexible. Kale can replace spinach, or add extra veggies you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg