Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a rich and creamy Italian-American one-pot meal that combines spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato and cream broth. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes, this hearty soup is ideal for a comforting dinner that cooks quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant to build depth of flavor.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the heavy cream and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder soup.
- This soup freezes well before adding the tortellini and spinach—add them fresh when reheating.
