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For the Creamy Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
For the Add-ins:
- 1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or kale for a heartier green)
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, leaving a bit behind to flavor the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option), and stir in the diced tomatoes (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the soup and stir gently. Let the soup simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender. If using frozen tortellini, you may need to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream will thicken the broth and create that rich, velvety texture that makes this soup so indulgent. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, giving it a lovely, cheesy finish.
Step 6: Add the Greens
Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the greens are wilted. The spinach adds a pop of color, as well as a nutritional boost to the soup.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup again and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper for additional flavor and heat.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese on top. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use a Good Quality Sausage: The sausage is the base of this soup, so make sure to choose one that you love. You can use mild sausage for a more neutral flavor, or spicy sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the soup. Zucchini, carrots, or even bell peppers can be sautéed along with the onions and garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Make It Lighter: To lighten up the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk. You can also use a lower-fat sausage for a leaner version.
- Use Frozen Tortellini: If you don’t have fresh tortellini, frozen tortellini works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to let it cook a few extra minutes until tender.
- Add More Greens: If you love greens, you can substitute spinach with kale or even Swiss chard. These hearty greens hold up well in the creamy broth.
- Store Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavors only get better the next day. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be aware that the cream may separate slightly upon reheating, but the soup will still be delicious.
Why This Soup is a Winner
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and satisfying. The rich broth with sausage, tortellini, and fresh spinach is packed with comforting flavors that will have you spooning it up happily with every bite. The tortellini adds a wonderful chewy texture, the sausage brings that savory depth, and the creaminess of the soup coats everything beautifully.
What’s great about this soup is that it’s so versatile. You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it your own. It’s also an easy dish to prepare for a family dinner, and leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soup that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the way to go. With its creamy texture, flavorful sausage, and cheesy tortellini, this soup has everything you need for a cozy meal on a cool evening. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a dinner party. Plus, it’s a meal that everyone will love—from kids to adults, and it’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
So, gather your ingredients, simmer up this incredible soup, and treat yourself to a bowl of creamy comfort tonight!
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