When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing like a steaming bowl of soup to warm your soul. Enter the Hearty Beef Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup—a one-pot wonder that combines savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a crowd of hungry friends, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Let me share how this recipe became a staple in my kitchen. On a particularly cold evening, I was craving something hearty yet easy to whip up. Scrolling through my pantry for inspiration, I found cheese tortellini, some beef sausage, and a few simple ingredients—and voilà! This comforting dish was born. Now, it’s the soup I turn to when I need a quick pick-me-up or want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?
Building the Flavorful Foundation
Ingredients for the Soup Base
To make this luscious soup, you’ll need:
- 1 pound beef sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. The sizzle and aroma will immediately make your kitchen feel cozier! Once the sausage is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the delicious drippings in the pot. These little bits of flavor will infuse the soup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in your diced onion. Let it sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Then, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous). Cook for just a minute, allowing the garlic to release its irresistible fragrance.
Transforming the Base into a Comforting Broth
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to bring the base to life. Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them; the juices add depth!). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those caramelized bits are pure flavor gold. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let the aromas fill your kitchen.
Finishing the Hearty Beef Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup
Welcome back! By now, your kitchen should already be smelling like pure comfort. With the soup base simmering away, it’s time to turn this dish into the creamy, hearty masterpiece you’ve been dreaming of. Let’s dive into the next steps of this irresistible recipe!
Making It Hearty with Tortellini and Sausage
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Once your broth has had a chance to develop its flavors, it’s time to bring on the star of the show—cheese tortellini! Whether you’re using fresh, refrigerated tortellini or the shelf-stable kind, they’ll add a satisfying, cheesy bite to the soup. Stir them gently into the simmering broth and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through.
Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen tortellini, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Watch carefully—they should be soft but not mushy.
Step 5: Return the Sausage and Add Creamy Goodness
Now it’s time to bring the beef sausage back into the pot, reuniting it with the tortellini and broth. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. This is where the magic happens—the cream transforms the soup into a rich, velvety delight that you’ll want to savor by the spoonful.
If you’re a fan of extra creaminess, feel free to add a splash more cream, but don’t overdo it. The balance of the savory broth and cream is what makes this soup shine.
A Fresh, Vibrant Finish
Step 6: Add Spinach and Parmesan
To round out the soup, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt beautifully in just a few minutes, adding a pop of green and a boost of nutrition. Meanwhile, the Parmesan melts into the soup, enhancing its already complex flavors with a nutty, salty touch.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor to perfection.
Serving the Ultimate Comfort Soup
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Your Hearty Beef Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to pair it with crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, that bread will soak up every bit of the creamy, savory broth—and you won’t want to leave a single drop behind.
Pro Tip: If you’re entertaining, serve this soup with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Optional Variations for Your Soup
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste:
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage and a full teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the beef sausage for plant-based sausage or add cannellini beans for a protein-packed alternative.
- Switch the Greens: Not a fan of spinach? Kale or arugula works wonderfully, too.
- Cheese Upgrade: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over each bowl before serving.
Before we wrap up, let’s address some common questions about this delicious soup. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions or storage, I’ve got you covered!
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base (up to Step 3) a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the base, add the tortellini, cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, and finish the recipe. This method ensures the tortellini stays perfectly tender.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
While the soup base freezes well, tortellini and cream don’t hold up as nicely. If you plan to freeze it, cook the tortellini separately and omit the cream until reheating. Add the tortellini and cream when ready to serve for the best results.
3. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out as the tortellini absorbs some of the liquid over time.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based creamer. Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
6. What type of sausage works best?
Beef sausage (either mild or spicy) adds a rich depth of flavor. However, you can use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage depending on your preference.
7. Can I use other types of pasta?
While tortellini is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with ravioli or even short pasta like orecchiette or small shells. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort Awaits
There’s something truly magical about a soup that brings everyone together. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a chilly evening or serving it to friends at a casual dinner party, this Hearty Beef Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup is guaranteed to impress. The combination of creamy broth, savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach creates a meal that’s both indulgent and heartwarming.
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Hearty Beef Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This comforting soup features hearty beef sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich and creamy broth. With its bold flavors and velvety texture, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days.
Ingredients
- For the soup base:
- 1 pound beef sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the additions:
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
4️⃣ Add the Tortellini:
Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
5️⃣ Finish with Cream and Greens:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
6️⃣ Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Using beef sausage adds a rich and savory depth to the soup.
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred, or add chopped carrots and celery for more veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
