Creamy Tortellini Soup is the kind of cozy, one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty soup combines tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and fresh kale in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving comfort food done right.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Soup
- Quick & Easy: On the table in just 30 minutes.
- One-Pot Recipe: Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
- Rich & Comforting: Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Easy to swap veggies or protein.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
For the Tortellini & Greens
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
- ½ bunch kale, chopped
For Creaminess
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add Italian sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and onions are soft.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in chicken stock and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes or until tender.
Step 6: Add Kale
Stir in chopped kale and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted but vibrant.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup
Best Bread Pairings
- Crusty baguette
- Garlic breadsticks
- Buttery dinner rolls
Topping Ideas
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped basil or parsley
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Side Dish Suggestions
- Caesar salad
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Caprese salad
Pro Tips for the Best Tortellini Soup
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — they should be tender, not mushy.
- Add cream last to prevent curdling.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking tortellini
- Adding cream too early
- Under-seasoning the soup
- Using low-quality sausage
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave space for expansion.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Add frozen tortellini directly to the soup and cook a few minutes longer.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
What other greens can I use?
Spinach, Swiss chard, or arugula work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, add tortellini and cream when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tortellini Soup is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a cozy bowl of soup, this recipe delivers every single time.
Recipe Card
Author: Elena
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- ½ bunch kale, chopped
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook sausage until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and seasoning; sauté until soft.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add tortellini and cook 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in kale until wilted.
- Add heavy cream, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
