Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil divided; 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage; 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed (can omit if using fennel sausage); 1 medium onion diced; 2 ribs celery diced; 2 medium carrots diced; 6 cloves garlic minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 6-ounce can tomato paste; 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock plus more to thin if needed; 1 rind Parmigiano Reggiano (optional); 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 pound cheese tortellini; 1/2 cup flat leaf Italian parsley minced; 1/2 packed cup basil leaves chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bowl of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. The silky broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage come together with herbs and just the right touch of cream to make it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it on your dinner rotation.

A close-up image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of creamy orange soup filled with tortellini pasta, small pieces of ground meat, chopped carrots, and green herbs. The soup appears thick with a smooth texture and small bits of vegetables and greens spread throughout. Fresh parsley leaves float on the surface, adding a touch of bright green. The soup is in a red pot with a glossy finish, and the background features a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the warmth and richness of the soup, creating a comforting and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this soup has won over my entire family and even picky eaters. It balances hearty and fresh flavors without being too heavy, so it feels special but entirely doable on a weeknight.

Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every spoonful.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry and fridge staples you probably already have on hand.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap sausage types or add your favorite greens to make it your own.
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for busy households.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe combines a beautiful mix of rich, savory sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy elements for a comforting, indulgent dish. Each ingredient brings its own magic, and together they create a flavor profile that’s simply unforgettable.

Flat lay of fresh mild Italian sausage links, a small pile of fennel seeds, a medium yellow onion whole and unpeeled, two celery ribs with leaves, two bright orange whole carrots with stems, six plump garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl with white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with clear dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl with rich red tomato paste, a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano rind, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a mound of fresh cheese tortellini pasta, a small bunch of flat leaf Italian parsley, a small bunch of fresh basil leaves, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with realistic proportions and no duplicates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing sausage and veggies, plus a nice richness.
Mild Italian sausage: Brings savory, herby flavor and hearty texture—mild keeps it family-friendly.
Fennel seed: Adds a subtle anise note that complements the sausage perfectly; skip if your sausage already contains fennel.
Onion, celery, carrots: Classic soffritto pairing that builds depth and sweetness as they soften.
Garlic: Brings that warm, aromatic punch that lifts every bite.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup to that perfect velvety consistency.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, balancing richness without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated umami depth and color to the broth.
Chicken stock: The main liquid base that ties ingredients together with savory goodness.
Parmigiano Reggiano rind: An optional trick I love for extra cheesy depth — don’t toss those rinds!
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy mouthfeel that defines this soup.
Cheese tortellini: The heart of the soup, tender pasta filled with cheese that soaks up all the flavors.
Italian parsley and basil: Fresh herbs for brightness, cutting through richness beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried adding spinach or kale for a nutritional boost, and my brother swears by swapping mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Vegetable Variation: I often toss in chopped kale or spinach in the last few minutes to add color and nutrients—it wilts beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Meat Swap: Beyond Italian sausage, cooked shredded chicken or turkey sausage works if you want a leaner protein.
Dairy-Free Option: You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit cheese for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has a smooth, slightly oily surface. Floating on top of the soup are several pieces of yellow tortellini pasta with a soft and slightly wrinkled texture. Scattered throughout the soup are small chunks of green leafy herbs and orange carrot pieces, adding color and freshness to the dish. The bowl is white with a subtle blue rim and is set against a white marbled background. The dish looks warm and comforting with a sprinkle of white grated cheese on top photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot. Add the mild Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. This should take about 7-10 minutes. The key here is to get a good sear on the sausage; those browned bits add tons of flavor later. When it’s browned all over, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in diced onion, celery, carrots, fennel seeds, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until they soften and start to sweeten—about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, but don’t rush it; gentle cooking helps build that wonderful base flavor. Then add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 5 minutes, tossing frequently, so it fully caramelizes and loses its raw edge. If it starts to stick or burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water. Next, sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Pour in the white wine, crank the heat to high, and scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to pick up all those tasty bits. Once the wine has reduced by half (about 1-2 minutes), add the cooked sausage back in along with chicken stock and the Parmigiano rind if you have it. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Creamify

Once boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors merge beautifully. Then stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. This transforms the broth into a luxuriously creamy soup.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini and Finish

Add the cheese tortellini directly to the pot and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes—no need to boil separately. Once the tortellini is ready, remove the pot from heat. Give your soup a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and basil for that final burst of herbaceous freshness.

Serve your soup hot with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese and crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

Top Tip

Making this soup for the first time, I learned that patience is key—especially when sautéing the veggies and tomato paste. Rushing this part results in a flatter flavor. Also, don’t skip adding the Parmigiano rind if you have one; it’s like a secret ingredient that deepens the whole soup.

Brown the Sausage Well: Breaking sausage into small pieces and browning creates texture and flavor that really shine through.
Cook Tomato Paste Slowly: Give it time to caramelize to avoid any raw or bitter notes.
Use Fresh Herbs at the End: They brighten the soup without losing their vibrant color and aroma.
Keep an Eye on Tortellini: Don’t overcook it—check after 3 minutes so they stay tender but intact.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Creamy Sausage Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top and, if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving makes the soup feel bright and fresh.

Side Dishes

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for extra balance. Crusty Italian bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls for a fun and rustic presentation. Another idea is serving it in shallow bowls with a stack of toasted crostini topped with garlic butter to impress guests. Adding a garnish of edible flowers or extra herb sprigs really amps up the visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind the tortellini will continue to soak up broth over time, so the soup might thicken a bit. You can stir in a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the tortellini to avoid mushiness. Freeze the broth with sausage and veggies in a container, then add fresh tortellini when reheating. This keeps the tortellini’s texture perfect.

Reheating

I reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Adding a little extra broth or water helps bring back the original consistency. If microwaving, heat in bursts and stir in between to prevent splitting the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick to the soup, but if you prefer milder flavors, stick to mild sausage. You can always adjust seasoning with crushed red pepper flakes too.

Do I need to add the Parmigiano rind?

It’s optional but highly recommended if you have one. The rind infuses the soup with deep umami richness that you can’t easily replicate. If you don’t have a rind, just add extra grated cheese at serving time.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

What kind of tortellini should I use?

Cheese-filled tortellini are classic here and perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. Feel free to experiment with spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that makes my kitchen smell amazing and fills the whole house with warmth. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to serve friends and family. I honestly can’t recommend it enough—it’s become my go-to whenever I want something both comforting and impressive without fuss. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll keep coming back for more.