Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

If you love soul-warming, ultra-creamy soups packed with flavor, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is about to become your new go-to comfort meal! This soup is everything you want on a chilly night: rich, hearty, and bursting with savory sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and vibrant veggies, all swimming in a luscious, silky broth.

The best part? It’s a true one-pot wonder—meaning less mess and more time to enjoy every spoonful! Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or cozying up for a relaxed weekend, this soup delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Inspired by the classic flavors of Italian kitchens, this crowd-pleaser is ready in under an hour and is sure to win over everyone at your table. Grab your favorite Dutch oven and let’s get simmering!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal with easy cleanup—perfect for busy nights
• Ultra-creamy, satisfying texture thanks to heavy cream and cheese tortellini
• Packed with protein and veggies for a hearty, complete meal
• Versatile and highly customizable to your family’s tastes

Key Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

This is the backbone of the soup’s rich, savory flavor. Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. Remove the casings for easy browning. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can swap in turkey sausage or even chicken sausage—just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Cheese Tortellini

Tender, cheesy tortellini soak up the creamy broth and make every bite extra satisfying. Fresh refrigerated tortellini cook up quickly, but frozen tortellini work too—just add a few minutes to the cook time. For a twist, try spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini.

Heavy Cream

This is what gives the soup its signature silky, creamy texture. You can make it a bit lighter with half-and-half, but full cream delivers the most luxurious result. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened coconut cream (it won’t taste coconutty, promise!).

Fresh Spinach

A generous handful of baby spinach brings color, nutrients, and freshness to the pot. Roughly chop it before stirring in at the end so it wilts quickly. Kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutions, just chop small so they’re tender when the soup is ready.

Parmesan Cheese

A finishing sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch. Use freshly grated for best results; it melts beautifully and adds depth. Pecorino Romano or Asiago can step in if you’re out of Parmesan.

Instructions for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Sauté the Aromatics

To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Simmer and Add Tortellini

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the cheese tortellini and simmer uncovered for 4-6 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. They’ll float to the top when ready!

Finish Creamy & Add Greens

Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for 2-3 more minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Craving a bolder kick? Use hot Italian sausage and double the crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery version that’ll warm you right up.

Veggie-Loaded Option

Bump up the nutrition by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or chopped kale along with the carrots and celery. It’s a great way to use up extra veggies and sneak in more color.

Dairy-Free & Lighter Swap

Substitute unsweetened coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the dairy, and sprinkle in nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You’ll still get a creamy, rich texture!

Gluten-Free Friendly

Opt for gluten-free tortellini (available at many specialty stores) and always double-check your sausage and broth labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Vegetarian Twist

Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or use extra mushrooms and white beans for a hearty, meatless version that’s just as satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with a hunk of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping, and a crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette. For a special touch, top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen. While you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, note that the tortellini may soften upon thawing—freeze before adding tortellini for the best texture, then add fresh when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
A: Absolutely! Add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, or until they’re tender and floating.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes—prepare the soup up to the step before adding tortellini and spinach. When ready to eat, bring to a simmer, add tortellini and spinach, and cook until done.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you crave in a comforting bowl—hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor! Give it a try and let me know how you like it by leaving a comment and rating below. I can’t wait to hear how it warms up your kitchen!