If you are craving a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out, the Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This soup beautifully marries the rich flavors of Italian sausage with pillowy cheese tortellini and vibrant fresh spinach, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. Perfect for those cozy nights when you want something easy to make but utterly satisfying, this soup balances savory, creamy, and fresh elements in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each item plays a special role—whether it’s building the robust base, adding depth, or bringing that fresh pop of color and nutrition.
- Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation for sautéing and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
- Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy, with casings removed to easily crumble and cook evenly for that satisfying meaty bite.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and an earthy aroma as it softens gently in the pan.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring an unmistakable warm depth, essential for any Italian-inspired dish.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together and keeps things cozy.
- Diced tomatoes: With their juice, these add brightness and a hint of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the soup with herbs like oregano and basil, bringing authentic Italian flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for a gentle kick adds warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta—soft, cheesy, and ready in minutes to provide comforting texture.
- Fresh baby spinach: Greens bring a tender, slightly earthy freshness and beautiful color contrast.
- Heavy cream: Elevates the broth to silky creaminess, enveloping every ingredient with lusciousness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a savory, salty punch that makes each bite irresistible.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage properly is crucial because it develops those deep, savory flavors that anchor your soup. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is ready, toss in the diced yellow onion. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its gentle sweetness. Then add minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds to avoid burning but still letting its fragrant oils bloom in the pan.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld into a rich, aromatic broth. This step forms the heart of the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini and Spinach
Next, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Follow the cooking time on the package, usually about 5 to 7 minutes, until the pasta is perfectly tender. Then, add the fresh baby spinach, letting it wilt gently into the soup, which adds freshness and bright color.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, creating a silky, comforting texture that wraps all your ingredients in warmth. Let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors marry. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed to make every bite sing.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful savory finish with just the right amount of salty tang. For an extra touch, a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad creates a perfectly balanced meal that’s sure to please the whole table. The crispness of the bread or salad contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in fun, rustic bread bowls to impress guests or loved ones. Alternatively, layering the soup with toasted breadcrumbs on top adds an irresistible crunch that guests will rave about. Brighten the bowl with a few twirls of fresh pasta ribbons or sprinkle some chili flakes for an added pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover soup keeps incredibly well in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as the tortellini may absorb some broth and thicken the soup slightly overnight.
Freezing
While this soup tastes best fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. To preserve the texture, consider freezing the broth and sausage separately from the tortellini and spinach, then combining when ready to eat. This prevents the tortellini from becoming mushy.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Avoid microwaving frozen tortellini soup directly, as uneven heating can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian sausage with chicken, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
No, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. Adding cream makes the texture luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
Kale works wonderfully as an alternative to spinach. Just make sure to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves finely since kale takes a bit longer to wilt.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this soup?
This entire Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weekday meal when you want something hearty without a long wait.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to relax, savor, and enjoy a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a perfect choice for busy nights or anytime you crave something homey and delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic. Featuring savory browned Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth infused with garlic, onion, and tomatoes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. The soup offers a rich, flavorful experience topped with optional grated Parmesan, providing a delightful balance of creamy and savory elements.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
- Add spinach and cream: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and allow it to wilt into the soup. Pour in the heavy cream and combine well. Let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Kale can be used in place of spinach if preferred for a different texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat of the soup.
