Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
• 3/4 cup sliced celery
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 14 1/2 ounces chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (8.8 ounce) package cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, celery, carrots, and onions until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.
2. Add pressed garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until fully combined.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, add the tortellini, and simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
7. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Add mozzarella cheese and stir until fully melted, then fold in fresh spinach.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 783
• Total Fat: 47g (60% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 24g (119% DV)
• Cholesterol: 139mg (46% DV)
• Sodium: 2081mg (90% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 66g (24% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 16g (57% DV)
• Total Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 32g (63% DV)
• Vitamin C: 92mg (102% DV)
• Calcium: 483mg (37% DV)
• Iron: 7mg (36% DV)
• Potassium: 1844mg (39% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient amounts may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements. Consult your doctor for medically restrictive diets.

The Story Behind Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup has its roots in Italian culinary tradition, blending rustic flavors with comforting textures. Tortellini, the small ring-shaped pasta, originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where it was traditionally stuffed with a mix of meats or cheeses. Over time, cooks began combining it with broths, vegetables, and cured meats to create hearty, one-pot meals perfect for colder months. The creamy version, enriched with cheese and cream, emerged in modern Italian-American kitchens as a fusion of traditional Italian techniques and the American preference for indulgent, filling soups.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While tortellini itself is a staple of Northern Italy, the soup has evolved differently across regions. In Emilia-Romagna, the broth is typically light and clear, often seasoned with Parmesan rinds. Italian-American versions, like this recipe, favor a richer, cream-based broth with the addition of Italian sausage for a smoky, spicy kick. Some regions may incorporate spinach, kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes, creating subtle variations in flavor and color. The cheese used in the fillingricotta, Fontina, or mozzarellaalso impacts the soups creaminess and texture.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup stands apart from other Italian soups like Minestrone or Zuppa Toscana. Unlike Minestrone, which emphasizes beans and vegetables in a tomato-based broth, tortellini soup focuses on pasta stuffed with cheese or meat, complemented by a rich cream or broth. Zuppa Toscana, on the other hand, uses potatoes, kale, and sausage in a broth with cream but lacks the distinct pasta component that makes tortellini soup uniquely hearty and indulgent. The combination of cheese-filled pasta and sausage creates a texture and flavor complexity unmatched in many Italian-inspired soups.

Typical Settings for Serving

This soup is commonly served in casual Italian-American restaurants, family dinners, or as a comforting home-cooked meal during fall and winter. Its versatility allows it to be an appetizer, main course, or even part of a buffet spread. Often paired with crusty bread, focaccia, or a fresh side salad, it is perfect for gatherings where warmth and satisfaction are key. The creamy, savory flavors make it particularly popular for Sunday lunches or holiday meals, offering both elegance and comfort in a single bowl.

Interesting Facts

• Tortellini was inspired by the shape of Venus navel, according to Italian legend, symbolizing love and perfection.
• The combination of sausage and cream in soups is a modern adaptation that balances spice, fat, and richness for a luxurious texture.
• Fresh tortellini cooks in just a few minutes, making this soup both quick to prepare and impressively hearty.
• Many home cooks experiment with cheeses like Fontina or Gruyre in addition to mozzarella to achieve unique flavors and creamy textures.
• This soup can be easily adapted to vegetarian versions by substituting sausage with plant-based protein or extra vegetables while keeping the creamy consistency intact.

FAQ about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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