Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Tortellini Soup! This dreamy, rich soup is chock-full of cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together in a luscious, creamy broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big hug with every spoonful, ideal for chilly nights or when you simply want something cozy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing a crowd, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soup that feels truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Tortellini Soup comes from just a handful of kitchen staples, each one chosen with purpose. Every ingredient not only contributes to incredible flavor, but also brings loads of color and texture to keep every bite exciting and oh-so-satisfying.

• Ground mild Italian sausage: This brings an irresistible, hearty savoriness to the broth and infuses the entire soup with comforting flavor.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth that forms the aromatic base of the soup.
• Celery stalks: Offers earthy crunch and rounds out the classic soup flavor trio.
• Large carrots: Adds a bit of color and natural sweetness that softens as it simmers.
• Garlic cloves: Gives the soup a fragrant kick and plenty of warmth.
• Kosher sea salt: Essential for drawing out and amplifying all the savory notes.
• Ground black pepper: Adds the ideal touch of heat and balance.
• Italian seasoning: Just a pinch goes a long way toward deepening those Italian-inspired herb flavors.
• Fennel seed (crushed or chopped): Brings a subtle anise aroma that elevates the sausage’s flavor.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory, slightly tangy tomato backdrop without making the soup too acidic.
• Dry white wine: Brightens and adds complexity—don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor!
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth, making it extra creamy and luxurious.
• Chicken broth: Provides the base and layers the soup with the ultimate savory richness.
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These little pasta pockets turn the soup into a hearty meal, providing gooey bites of cheese.
• Half and half or heavy cream: Creates the decadent, silky texture we all crave in creamy soups.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts perfectly into the hot soup, adding color and a pop of freshness.
• Parmesan cheese & fresh parsley (for serving): Sprinkle over your bowl for a cheesy finish and a burst of herby brightness.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground mild Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up as it browns. You’re looking for deeply golden bits—the fond they leave behind will enrich your soup’s flavor. Once done, drain off any excess fat but don’t wipe the pot; those flavorful bits are key!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add your diced onion, celery, and carrots right into the hot pot. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This trio, known as mirepoix, lays the groundwork for a truly tasty Creamy Tortellini Soup.

Step 3: Toast the Spices and Garlic

Now, it’s time to pile on flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed fennel seed. Cook for about a minute so the garlic and spices can release their amazing aroma—your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste & White Wine

Squeeze in the tomato paste and give everything a good mix, coating the veggies and sausage. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to develop a deep, caramelized flavor. Pour in the white wine next, and let it bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes so the alcohol evaporates, leaving only its brightness behind.

Step 5: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour right over the pot’s mixture and stir well to coat. This is the secret to the soup’s creamy body. Let it cook for a minute or two to remove any floury taste, stirring constantly so nothing sticks.

Step 6: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to prevent any lumps from forming. Once all the broth is in, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the soup begin to thicken, becoming silky and rich.

Step 7: Cook the Tortellini

Toss the cheese tortellini into the bubbling soup. Simmer them according to package directions—usually about 5 to 7 minutes—until they’re just tender and floating. Be sure not to overcook; you want those cheesy centers to stay perfect.

Step 8: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Lower the heat and pour in the half and half (or heavy cream, for extra decadence) along with a generous handful of chopped spinach. Stir gently and let it all heat through until the spinach is wilted and the soup is irresistibly creamy.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Ladle your Creamy Tortellini Soup into bowls and finish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of bright parsley. Get ready for the most soul-warming meal!

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A big shower of freshly grated Parmesan gives each bowl a salty, nutty kick, and a handful of chopped parsley not only adds color but also balances the creaminess. If you like a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Tortellini Soup with a slice of crusty bread—think garlic toast or a warm baguette for dunking. For a lighter pairing, a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil makes a nice contrast to the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve Creamy Tortellini Soup in small mugs or ramekins as an appetizer course. To make it a fun family night, ladle soup into bread bowls! You can even offer a mini garnish bar at the table with grated cheeses, fresh herbs, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for everyone to customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tortellini Soup is a meal-prep hero! Store any cooled soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the tortellini will soak up some of the broth as it sits, but that only makes it more delicious (and almost stew-like) the next day.

Freezing

While you can absolutely freeze portions, keep in mind that dairy-based soups sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and cream, then stir those in fresh when you reheat. Use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To gently reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, until hot and bubbling. If it looks a bit thick (it can tighten up in the fridge), just splash in a little extra broth or water to bring it back to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tortellini Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or even diced mushrooms for extra umami, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep things meat-free.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly and turns out tender every time, but you can experiment with other fillings—spinach and cheese or even meat varieties are all delicious in this creamy soup.

Can I use milk instead of half and half or cream?

Yes, you can use milk if you prefer a lighter soup. The broth won’t be quite as silky, but it will still taste fantastic. If you’d like to keep it thick, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour in step 5.

Is it possible to use frozen tortellini?

Frozen tortellini works well; just add them straight to the simmering broth and cook for a couple extra minutes until they are warmed through and plump.

How can I make Creamy Tortellini Soup spicier?

For those who love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and seasonings, or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild to turn up the spice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, Creamy Tortellini Soup is sure to become your new favorite. Warm, filling, and endlessly customizable, it’s one to add to your regular rotation—so don’t wait, grab those ingredients and make it tonight!

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