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Creamy Tomato Spinach Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

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4.1 from 77 reviews

This comforting Italian-inspired tortellini soup features savory Italian sausage, tender spinach tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato broth enriched with cream. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

  • ¾ lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy (chicken or turkey preferred)
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4-5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
  • ½-1 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
  • Red chili flakes, to taste
  • ¼-½ cup cream or half and half (¼ cup recommended)
  • 4-5 cups fresh spinach
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Pasta

  • 10-12 oz spinach tortellini (cooked according to package instructions)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Add the sausage meat to a large pot or Dutch oven, breaking it up with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon into varying sizes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then drain excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reheat the pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. No additional oil is needed as the sausage fat provides enough fat for sautéing.
  3. Simmer the Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano or Italian herbs, and red chili flakes if using. Mix everything well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the broth slightly reduces and flavors meld.
  4. Add Tortellini and Cream: Stir in the pre-cooked spinach tortellini and cream or half and half. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tortellini is heated through and tender.
  5. Wilt the Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach just wilts but retains its vibrant green color.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference; chicken or turkey sausage offers a leaner option.
  • Adjust cream quantity to taste, ¼ cup is sufficient for richness without overpowering.
  • Fresh spinach should be added last to keep it vibrant and prevent overcooking.
  • You can use store-bought or homemade spinach tortellini; cook them according to package instructions before adding to the soup.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce broth slightly more before adding tortellini.
  • Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious savory finish.