Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Why You’ll Love Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

• One‑pot meal means fewer dishes and maximum flavor from sautéing and simmering everything together.
• Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already keep on hand.
• Creamy, satisfying broth with tender veggies and cheesy tortellini makes this both comforting and filling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 pounds ground Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 large stalks celery, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 (6‑ounce) can tomato paste
1/3 cup all‑purpose flour
7–8 cups chicken broth
2 cups half‑and‑half
18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
4–5 ounces fresh spinach
Optional – Parmesan cheese to serve

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s mostly cooked through with a little pink remaining.
Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until vegetables soften, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook about 1 minute.
Add the tomato paste and sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to combine until it thickens.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Stir in the half‑and‑half, bring the soup back to a boil, then add the tortellini and cook until al dente, about 5–6 minutes (or according to package directions).
Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 8 servings.
• Prep time: ~5 minutes.
• Cook time: ~45 minutes.
• Total time: ~50 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Swap Italian sausage for plant‑based sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Spicier soup: Use hot Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes.
• Cheesier twist: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese before serving.
• Greens swap: Substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach.
• Different pasta: Use small shells or mini rigatoni if tortellini isn’t available.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens during storage.

FAQs

What type of sausage should I use?

You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage. Turkey or chicken sausage also works if you want a lighter version.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes—use gluten‑free flour for thickening and gluten‑free tortellini.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s best frozen without the tortellini, then add fresh after reheating the soup base.

How can I make it dairy‑free?

Replace half‑and‑half with coconut milk or another dairy‑free cream alternative.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just add it straight from frozen and cook until tender.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad pairs nicely.

Is this soup spicy?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes; adjust to taste.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.

How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?

Add tortellini toward the end of cooking and follow package directions closely.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—browning the sausage and sautéing veggies first improves flavor, then transfer to slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients, customizable variations, and hearty comfort in every bowl, it’s sure to become a family favorite.