Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

Every family has that one recipe everyone asks for... this is ours.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup has been a family favorite for years. As soon as the weather starts to cool off, someone always asks, "Can you make the tortellini soup?" It's one of those dinners that brings everyone to the table, and somehow there's never quite enough leftovers.

Loaded with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, spinach, and a rich, creamy tomato broth, it tastes like it's been simmering all day. The best part? It's simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan, and you've got the kind of meal everyone comes back for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy broth full of Italian flavor.

• Hearty enough to be a complete meal.

• Made with simple, everyday ingredients.

• Ready in about 40 minutes.

• Perfect for chilly nights and cozy family dinners.

• Even better the next day.

  
  

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What You'll Need

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 teaspoon butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 (20-ounce) package Rana Cheese Tortellini

• 3–4 cups of fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (I usually just throw in a few big handfuls.)

  (I usually just throw in a few big handfuls.)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

  
  

For Serving

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional)

• Cracked black pepper (optional)

• Crusty bread

How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

1. Brown the sausage.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage to a plate.

2. Cook the vegetables.

Add the olive oil to the pot.

Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5–6 minutes until softened.

Add the butter and garlic, then cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the soup.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.

Stir in:

• Cooked Italian sausage

• Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

• Italian seasoning

  
  

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15–20 minutes.

4. Add the tortellini.

Stir in the Rana Cheese Tortellini and cook according to the package directions, about 4–5 minutes.

5. Finish the soup.

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.

Slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream.

Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.

6. Serve.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Add a little chopped parsley and cracked black pepper if you'd like, and serve with warm, crusty bread.

Make It Your Own

• Use hot Italian sausage for a little extra spice.

• Add kale instead of spinach.

• Stir in mushrooms with the vegetables.

• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

What to Serve With Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

We love serving this soup with:

• Crusty Italian bread

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Simple green salad

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth as it sits. When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it according to the package directions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.

Can I freeze this soup?

The broth freezes well, but the tortellini will soften over time. If you plan to freeze it, make the soup without the tortellini and add fresh tortellini after reheating.

Can I use a different brand of tortellini?

Of course! I usually use Rana Cheese Tortellini from the refrigerated section because it's quick to cook and has great flavor, but any cheese tortellini will work.

A Few Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that has earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.

It's creamy, comforting, and filled with simple ingredients that come together to make a meal everyone looks forward to. The Italian sausage adds so much flavor, the cheese tortellini makes it hearty, and the fresh spinach and Parmesan bring everything together.

If your family loves cozy soups as much as mine does, I have a feeling this one will become a favorite at your house too.

Thanks for stopping by The Schmidt Table. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table soon.