Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces Italian sausage; 2 cups heavy cream; Shaved Parmesan for garnish; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh chopped kale; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Kosher salt, to taste; Parsley, for garnish (optional); 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 5 cups chicken broth; 18 ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of goodness that combines hearty Italian flavors with a luscious, velvety base, you have to try this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It brings together tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, vibrant kale, and a rich cream sauce into a harmonious bowl of soup that’s both cozy and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a delicious, filling meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight containers arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center, there is a white bowl filled with yellow tortellini pasta that looks soft and plump. To the lower left, a white plate holds a flat, rectangular block of raw ground meat that has a coarse, reddish texture. On the right side, there are two white bowls, one with finely chopped white onions and the other with dark green chopped kale, both looking fresh and crisp. Above the tortellini bowl, two small white bowls contain dry seasoning; one with a light flour-like powder and the other with a mix of green and brown dried herbs. Below the seasoning bowls, a small white cup holds minced garlic with a slightly off-white hue. Lastly, two clear glass measuring cups sit diagonally opposite each other: the top one filled halfway with white milk, and the larger one at the bottom right filled with golden brown broth or stock. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each selected to balance flavor, texture, and color perfectly. Every element plays a key role in building the depth and heartiness that make this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe so memorable.

Olive oil (3 teaspoons, divided): Adds a subtle fruity richness and allows for perfect sautéing.
Italian sausage (16 ounces): Brings bold, seasoned meatiness as the star protein.
Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Offers a sweet aromatic base to elevate every bite.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with that unmistakable warm, savory fragrance.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A perfect blend of herbs for authentic Italian flair.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup for that creamy texture we’re after.
Chicken broth (5 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid that ties everything together.
Cheese tortellini (18 ounces, refrigerated): The tender pockets of cheesy bliss that make this soup special.
Fresh kale (2 cups, chopped): Adds a nutritious green punch and subtle earthiness.
Heavy cream (2 cups): The silky finish that transforms this soup into a decadent treat.
Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors.
Shaved Parmesan for garnish: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty dimension.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. Then scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving all those flavorful browned bits in the pot for the next steps. Don’t wipe the pot clean; those bits are pure gold for developing rich flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil if your pot looks dry. Toss in the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often until the onion softens and sweetens. Then stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking it just another minute until fragrant. This layer of aroma is what gives the soup such an inviting depth.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook it for a minute, stirring constantly. This step creates a roux, which will thicken your soup beautifully. Slowly add about half a cup of broth, stirring as you scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those tasty browned bits. This deglazing moment is key to capturing every bit of flavor from the sausage and veggies.

Step 4: Combine Broth, Tortellini, and Sausage

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, then add the cheese tortellini and cooked sausage back into the pot. Season with a couple of big pinches of salt and pepper. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the tortellini is perfectly al dente. Watching the pasta cook in the soup base is so rewarding!

Step 5: Finish with Kale and Cream

Finally, stir in the fresh chopped kale and heavy cream. The heat of the soup will wilt the kale and create a wonderfully creamy texture that envelops every bite. Give the soup a final taste, and season with more salt and pepper if needed — this step ensures the seasoning perfectly suits your palate.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Inside a large white pot, there are two main layers clearly divided: one side shows yellow tortellini pasta floating in golden broth with a smooth, slightly shiny texture, while the other side contains browned ground meat in small chunks, also sitting in broth with a slightly oily surface. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the rich color contrast between the yellow pasta and brown meat in the light broth is visually striking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle shaved Parmesan over each bowl to add a salty, nutty punch that complements the creamy base beautifully. A few fresh parsley leaves can brighten the presentation and offer a fresh herbal touch. Don’t be shy — these garnishes elevate the soup from everyday to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this soup, perfect for dipping into all that rich, creamy goodness. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast and make your meal feel complete without overwhelming the soup’s savoriness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this soup in hollowed-out rustic bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation. Or layer a small ladle of the cream sauce on toasted crostini and add a bit of sausage as an appetizer before serving the soup. These little touches make your gathering feel extra special and showcase your love for this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have a chance to meld nicely overnight, so leftovers might taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly, but keep in mind the cream and tortellini might change texture slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portioned containers, leaving some room for expansion. To preserve the best flavor and texture, consume within 2 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its lovely creamy consistency. Avoid using the microwave for reheating large batches, as it can heat unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well here. Just be sure to choose one with Italian seasoning or adjust your herbs accordingly to keep that classic flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?

Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based Italian sausage or hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a rich and satisfying soup that everyone can enjoy.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use dairy-free tortellini if available. The soup will still be creamy but with a slightly different flavor profile that’s delicious in its own right.

How can I tell when the tortellini is perfectly cooked?

Tortellini is done when it floats to the surface and is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). This usually happens within 3 to 5 minutes of simmering in the broth. Taste-testing is the best way to be sure!

Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?

You can make the bulk of the soup ahead, leaving the kale and cream for last-minute stirring just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and ensures the kale stays vibrant and the cream doesn’t separate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like cozy comfort food while bringing the bright, savory flavors of Italy to your kitchen, this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. So grab that pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of pure, creamy happiness!