One-Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the kind of cozy, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, aromatic herbs, and a creamy tomato-based broth. This dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and your kitchen smell amazing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal that pleases the entire family. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and delivers gourmet-level flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
Step 2: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a gentle boil. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
Step 5: Add the tortellini and simmer for 6–8 minutes or until the pasta is tender and floating.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy and heated through.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Variation
- Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Substitute kale for spinach for a sturdier green.
- Use sun-dried tomato paste for extra umami flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions for extra depth.
- Swap out tortellini for gnocchi or mini ravioli.
- Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving for herbaceous richness.
- Make it spicier by using hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
Cooking Note
Don’t overcook the tortellini, once they float and are tender, they’re done. If using frozen tortellini, add a few extra minutes to the cook time. If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding to each serving to prevent them from becoming too soft. Always add cream at the end and avoid boiling once it’s added to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One-Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the rich broth. A side Caesar salad or simple mixed greens salad pairs well and adds freshness. This soup also makes a great starter for a larger Italian meal. Top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper at the table for added flavor.
Tips
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
- Brown sausage thoroughly to build flavor at the base.
- Always simmer the tomato paste to enhance its sweetness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- Stir frequently after adding cream to prevent separation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 per serving
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 930mg
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
- It’s best to freeze the soup without tortellini and cream. When ready to reheat, thaw, reheat gently, and stir in fresh tortellini and cream just before serving.
Is this soup spicy?
- It can be if you use spicy sausage or add chili flakes. Use mild sausage and skip the flakes for a more kid-friendly version.
Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes. Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add cannellini beans or mushrooms for protein and texture.
Can I use dried tortellini?
- You can, but they take longer to cook. Add them with enough time and monitor for doneness as packages vary.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
- Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is recommended. Bulk sausage works best, but links with casings removed also work well.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With the rich creaminess of the broth, savory sausage, tender pasta, and nourishing spinach, every spoonful is both hearty and indulgent. It’s perfect for busy families, cold nights, or anyone in need of a little comfort. Plus, the one-pot method makes it ideal for quick weeknight cooking and minimal cleanup. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.