The Best Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Warm, comforting tortellini soup brings Italian-inspired magic right to your kitchen table.

Soft pasta pillows swim in a velvety broth that whispers comfort with every spoonful.

Cheese-filled tortellini create delightful moments of pure culinary joy.

Each ingredient tells a story of simple, hearty nourishment.

Fragrant herbs and tender vegetables dance together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become special when you ladle this soul-warming soup into waiting bowls.

Prepare to be transported by one spoonful of pure deliciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tortellini Soup

• What are the key ingredients that make this soup flavorful?

The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind creates a rich, deep flavor profile that makes this tortellini soup incredibly delicious.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance for the week.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of the soup.

• How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding cooked chicken, white beans, or extra cheese to boost the protein content and make the soup more filling.

Why Creamy Tortellini Soup Is Pure Comfort

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This hearty soup comes together with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Packed with Flavor Variety: Combining Italian sausage, tortellini, kale, and creamy parmesan creates a rich, multilayered taste experience that satisfies different palate preferences in one comforting bowl.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like different tortellini fillings, protein options, or greens to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for any meal.
• Nutrition in Every Spoonful: Loaded with protein from sausage, greens from kale, and a creamy base, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients for the whole family.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup's base.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the soup.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
• Kale: A nutritious green that adds color, texture, and additional nutrients to the dish.

• Chicken Stock: A savory liquid base that provides depth and moisture to the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet undertone to the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that makes the soup rich and smooth.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing a subtle background flavor.
• Parmesan Rind: Enhances the soup with a complex, umami cheese flavor.
• Basil: A fresh herb that brings a bright, aromatic finish to the soup.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

How To Make Creamy Tortellini Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Add Italian sausage and break it apart while cooking until it turns a rich golden brown. Drain any extra fat that accumulates.

Step 2: Bloom Aromatic Ingredients

Toss in garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until onions become translucent and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir, allowing it to lightly brown and create a thickening agent for the soup.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Chicken stock
• Tomato sauce
• Parmesan rind (optional)

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the liquid starts to thicken.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add tortellini to the simmering soup. Cover and cook until the pasta becomes tender and plump.

Step 6: Add Green Goodness

Stir in fresh kale and cook until the leaves wilt and become tender.

Step 7: Finish with Creaminess

Pour heavy cream into the soup and add fresh basil. Stir and heat for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors immediately.

Tips To Make Creamy Tortellini Soup Better

• Customize Sausage Selection: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, ensuring a personalized flavor profile for the soup.
• Thicken with Precision: Whisk flour carefully to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety base that enhances the soup's creamy texture.
• Boost Veggie Power: Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for variety, adding extra nutrients and vibrant green color to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lactose-free version without compromising rich, comforting taste.
• Freeze for Later: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for a quick and convenient meal that reheats beautifully.

Ways To Add A Twist To Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Tortellini Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to enhance vegetarian profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for thickening.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream sparingly and add extra protein like shredded chicken or white beans for substance.
• Dairy-Free Option: Eliminate Parmesan rind and heavy cream. Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute.

Best Sides To Go With Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the sausage and creamy soup.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, crispy Italian bread brushed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery salad with arugula, shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy intensity and cut through its richness.
• Accompany with Herb-Infused Focaccia: Bake a soft, herby focaccia with rosemary and sea salt that provides a perfect dipping companion to the tortellini soup's savory profile.

How To Keep Creamy Tortellini Soup Fresh Longer

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tortellini separate from the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Carefully pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Exclude cream and kale before freezing for best texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh cream and kale after reheating to maintain their quality.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 29-34 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian flair in this creamy tortellini soup, a hearty blend of cheese-filled pasta, tender vegetables, and rich broth. Each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to savor a bowl of pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (casing removed)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 bunch kale (stems removed and leaves chopped)
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) fresh basil (chopped)

Base and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 3-inch Parmesan rind (optional)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Dairy and Pasta:

• 1 9-ounce (255 grams) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Sauté Italian sausage until golden brown and crumbly, approximately 3-5 minutes, carefully draining excess grease.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, diced onions, and Italian seasoning, allowing aromatics to develop and onions to become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle flour into the mixture, toasting lightly for one minute to develop a rich, nutty undertone.
5. Pour in chicken stock, tomato sauce, and Parmesan rind, bringing the liquid to a robust boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Introduce tortellini to the simmering broth, covering and cooking until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, roughly 5-7 minutes.
7. Fold in fresh kale, allowing the leafy greens to wilt and infuse the soup with vibrant color and nutrients.
8. Finish the soup by stirring in heavy cream and fresh basil, heating through for an additional minute and adjusting seasonings to taste.
9. Ladle the creamy, aromatic tortellini soup into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, ensuring robust flavor remains intact.
• Add extra Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for deeper umami taste and increased protein content.
• Consider freezing soup without cream, then add fresh cream when reheating to maintain optimal texture and prevent separation.
• Use gluten-free tortellini and replace flour with cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 24-29 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg