Cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe – Creamy Comfort Food

Name: Cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe - Creamy Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy); 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 package (~16 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 2 cups (~60g) fresh spinach

Posted on December 7, 2025

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Let’s talk about the ultimate bowl of comfort: sausage tortellini soup. Imagine a creamy, savory broth packed with tender tortellini, juicy sausage, and a handful of vegetables that perfectly balance the richness. This is the kind of soup you make on a chilly evening, wrap yourself in a blanket, and savor every spoonful. And trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

Funny story—this recipe was born out of a fridge cleanout. I had leftover sausage, a bag of tortellini I forgot I bought (classic me), and some heavy cream that was dangerously close to its expiration date. The result? A soup so good I had friends texting me for the recipe after one spoonful. Now, it’s become one of my favorite comfort meals to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I mean, what’s not to love about a creamy, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Here’s why this sausage tortellini soup is a game-changer:

Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes, which means it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
One pot wonder: Less cleanup is always a win in my book. Everything cooks together in one pot, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes.
Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream and broth creates a velvety base that’s full of flavor without being overly heavy.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the sausage, add extra veggies, or even use gluten-free tortellini if that’s your thing.

This soup has become my go-to when I want to impress guests without stressing out, or when I need a little comfort after a long day. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a feast.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples or things you might already have in your fridge. Let’s break it down:

For the Base:

Italian sausage (1 lb): Sweet or spicy, it’s up to you. I usually go with mild, but if you want a little kick, spicy is amazing.
Chicken broth (4 cups / 1 liter): I use low-sodium so I can control the salt level myself. Homemade broth is always a bonus if you have it!
Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml): This makes the soup luxuriously creamy. You can swap for half-and-half if you want something lighter.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can / 14 oz): Adds a nice tang and balances the richness of the cream.

For the Flavor:

Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic makes a world of difference. Don’t skimp!
Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds depth and sweetness to the base.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, but remember the sausage and broth already have salt, so don’t go overboard.

For the Stars of the Show:

Cheese tortellini (1 package / ~16 oz): Fresh or frozen both work great. I use the refrigerated kind because it cooks faster.
Spinach (2 cups / ~60g): Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup, adding a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Quick note: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t panic. This soup is forgiving, and you can easily make substitutions. For example, kale works instead of spinach, or ground turkey in place of sausage.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this soup—it’s as simple as it gets. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large pot or Dutch oven: Big enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring everything together.
Knife and cutting board: To chop your veggies and sausage.
Ladle: For serving those perfect bowls of soup.

That’s it! This recipe is super beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special tools.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and you’ll have a steaming pot of sausage tortellini soup ready in no time.

Brown the sausage (5-7 minutes): Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the grease in the pot for flavor.
Sauté the veggies (5 minutes): Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the liquids (5 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (aka flavor gold). Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the tortellini (5 minutes): Add the sausage back to the pot, then stir in the tortellini. Let it cook in the simmering broth until tender—it’ll puff up slightly when ready.
Add the cream and spinach (2 minutes): Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt in seconds, and the cream will turn the soup beautifully creamy.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned from making this soup more times than I can count:

Don’t skip browning the sausage: The caramelization adds so much flavor to the soup.
Use fresh tortellini if you can: It cooks faster and has a softer texture than frozen.
Customize the veggies: Add diced carrots or celery if you want more variety.
For thicker soup: Simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes. The liquid will reduce slightly.
Leftovers are better: The flavors deepen as the soup sits, so it’s even tastier the next day.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations:

Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Veggie Packed: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or diced carrots for extra nutrients.
Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving.
Lighter Version: Skip the heavy cream and add an extra cup of chicken broth—it’ll still be delicious.

Serving Ideas & Storage

How to Serve:

This soup is perfect on its own, but here are some pairing ideas:

Crusty bread: Dip it into the creamy broth—it’s heavenly.
Side salad: A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
Wine pairing: Try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown (per serving):

Calories	320
Protein	15g
Carbs	30g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g

This soup is hearty and filling thanks to the combination of protein-packed sausage and tortellini. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies with the spinach and optional add-ins like carrots or zucchini. While it’s definitely on the indulgent side with the heavy cream, you can make it lighter with the swaps mentioned earlier.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my cozy sausage tortellini soup recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and honestly just what you need on a cold day. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment), it’s one of those recipes that feels like love in a bowl.

If you try it, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @YourHandle—I’d love to see your versions. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

A: Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great and is a lighter option. Just make sure to brown it well for maximum flavor.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?

A: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?

A: Totally! Frozen tortellini works just as well—just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?

A: Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it up.

Q: Can I add cheese on top?

A: Please do! Freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella takes this soup to the next level.

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