Description
A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring rich broth, creamy cheese, and savory Italian sausage. This comforting soup is forgiving, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown and crisp for 5-7 minutes, then drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor. Set sausage aside.
- In the same pot or a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add dried oregano and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes according to package directions, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired to brighten flavors.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or garlic bread. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or olive oil if desired.
Notes
For the creamiest soup, cook tortellini directly in the broth. If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately. Always add cream and cheese on low heat to prevent separation. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results. If the soup tastes flat, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar at the end. This soup does not freeze well due to the pasta and dairy; freeze the base without pasta if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: creamy sausage tortellini soup, easy weeknight dinner, 30 minute meals, Italian soup, comfort food, quick dinner, frozen tortellini recipe