Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 10 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or fresh); 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

This creamy tortellini soup is a warm hug in a bowl—a thick, savory, and silky soup bursting with tender cheese tortellini, seasoned ground sausage, and bright, fresh spinach. The creamy tomato-based broth gets a flavorful lift from Italian herbs and a hint of garlic, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re serving it to guests or curling up with a cozy bowl yourself, this one-pot dish combines ease and flavor in the best way. The tortellini soaks up the richness of the broth, making each bite hearty and satisfying, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness to balance the richness.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Soup

One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup with big flavor.
Hearty and filling: Packed with pasta, protein, and greens.
Customizable: Swap sausage for ground turkey or add mushrooms.
Perfect for leftovers: Gets even better the next day.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves creamy pasta in soup form.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is your best bet for this soup. It cooks quickly, holds its shape, and offers that luscious, cheesy center that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. Avoid using dried tortellini, as it tends to be firmer and may not offer the same pillowy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try different fillings like spinach-ricotta or even chicken.

Ingredients for the Creamy Tortellini Soup

Each ingredient here plays a key role in building that crave-worthy flavor and texture:

Ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a touch of spice.
Yellow onion: Offers a sweet aromatic base.
Garlic cloves: Enhances the soup’s warmth with earthy richness.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor without overpowering the broth.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides body and tang to the soup.
Chicken broth: A savory liquid base that ties it all together.
Heavy cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess.
Cheese tortellini: The star pasta that turns this soup into a meal.
Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of green and freshness.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that balances the savory notes.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan (optional): A final flourish of nutty, salty goodness.

How To Make the Creamy Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer with Seasoning

Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Add Tortellini

Drop in the tortellini and simmer until they float and are tender, about 5-7 minutes depending on the brand.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storing Creamy Tortellini Soup

This comforting soup makes 4-6 generous servings, ideal for family dinners or easy meal prep. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens. Avoid freezing, as the tortellini may become mushy when thawed.