Embrace cozy comfort with this incredibly simple and satisfying creamy tortellini soup. This delightful dish blends tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich, velvety broth. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights. Get ready to create a new family favorite that’s both comforting and flavorful!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Soup
You’ll quickly understand why this creamy tortellini soup recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: It comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- Incredibly Satisfying and Flavorful: Each spoonful is packed with savory sausage, tender veggies, and cheesy tortellini.
- Customizable with Simple Swaps: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your pantry and dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious dish.
- Great for Cold Weather: Warm up from the inside out with a bowl of this wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your homemade tortellini soup. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, comforting flavors of this dish.
- 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed or chopped
- one 6-oz. can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6–7 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 1 handful chopped fresh spinach
- Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize this fantastic soup. For the sausage, choose mild, sweet, or spicy Italian ground sausage based on your preference. You can even use ground chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Chicken broth provides a classic flavor, but vegetable broth works well for a different base. If you prefer to omit the dry white wine, simply use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth instead. For a dairy-free cream, unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer can substitute the half and half. To make it vegetarian, swap the sausage for cannellini beans, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground crumble. Feel free to use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable tortellini; just follow package directions for cooking times.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful creamy tortellini soup.
- A large Dutch oven or stockpot (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this comforting tortellini soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.
In a large stockpot set over medium-high heat, begin cooking the ground Italian sausage. Use your spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces as it browns. Once the sausage is mostly cooked through, add the diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they soften slightly.
Next, stir in the minced garlic, kosher sea salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed fennel seed. Add the entire 6-oz can of tomato paste. Sauté this mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to deepen its flavor, preventing it from burning.
Pour in the dry white wine, if using. Let it cook out for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then, stir the all-purpose flour directly into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute; the mixture will become sticky and somewhat dry.
Gradually add in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to combine thoroughly and prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Stir in the half and half or heavy cream, then bring the soup back to a low simmer. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and a handful of chopped fresh spinach.To learn more about how Italian seasoning enhances flavor, explore its culinary applications in various dishes.Cook just until the tortellini is al dente, following the cooking instructions on its package. Do not overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy.Cooking pasta to an “al dente” consistency is crucial for both texture and how well it absorbs the sauce and maintains its shape.
Serve your creamy tortellini soup immediately while hot. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect creamy tortellini soup is easy with these helpful hints. Avoid overcooking the tortellini; it can quickly turn mushy. Always cook it just until al dente according to package directions, as it continues to soften in the hot broth. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed; you might want more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. To prevent a grainy soup, ensure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the hot broth. If your soup seems too thin, create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened. For extra vegetables, add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the carrots and celery.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile tortellini soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping, alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Leftovers store beautifully; cool the soup completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. While you can freeze the soup base (broth, sausage, veggies), it’s best to add the tortellini and cream fresh when reheating, as they can change texture upon freezing and thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to adjust consistency.
For variations, consider a vegetarian tortellini soup by omitting the sausage and adding extra vegetables or white beans. Give it a spicy kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different greens; kale or escarole make excellent substitutes for spinach.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious creamy tortellini soup knowing it provides a hearty meal.
- Calories: 518 calories
- Sugar Content: 7.3 g
- Sodium Content: 969.8 mg
- Fat Content: 29.1 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.8 g
- Trans Fat Content: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.7 g
- Fiber Content: 3.3 g
- Protein Content: 22.7 g
- Cholesterol Content: 85.1 mg
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.
FAQ
Can I make this tortellini soup vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! Omit the Italian sausage and replace it with a plant-based ground crumble, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
What sides pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad are fantastic accompaniments that complement the richness of this creamy soup.
Can I omit the white wine?
Certainly. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
Is frozen tortellini acceptable in this tortellini soup?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly! Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, usually adding it directly to the simmering soup.
How long does tortellini soup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade tortellini soup remains fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
How do I make the soup dairy-free?
Swap the half and half or heavy cream for unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or your preferred dairy-free creamer, ensuring to check the tortellini ingredients for dairy.
Can I freeze tortellini soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup base (sausage, vegetables, broth) without the tortellini or cream. Add fresh tortellini and cream when reheating for the best texture.
Conclusion
This delicious creamy tortellini soup truly embodies the essence of comfort food. With its straightforward steps and comforting flavors, it is perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We encourage you to try this recipe for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal that will warm your family from the inside out. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this wonderful dish!
Delicious Creamy Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Large Stockpot
- Stirring utensil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed crushed or chopped
- one 6-oz. can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6–7 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 1 handful chopped fresh spinach
- Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
Steps
- Cook sausage in a large stockpot until browned, breaking it into pieces. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot, then sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, spices, and tomato paste; sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Pour in dry white wine and cook for a few minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually add chicken broth and combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add half and half or heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir in tortellini and spinach, cooking until the tortellini is al dente according to package directions. Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan.