Description
A comforting, self-care recipe for tired days. This simple, one-pot soup combines savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach for a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (9-10 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter and melt.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes) until tender and floating.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Warm through for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in wide bowls with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
Refrigerated tortellini is recommended over dried for a softer texture. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent separation. If the soup thickens upon storage, add a splash of broth or water when reheating. This soup is best fresh; freezing is not recommended as tortellini may become mushy and cream may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: tortellini soup, creamy soup, sausage soup, comfort food, self-care recipe, one pot meal, easy dinner, spinach soup