Name: Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed or chopped; 1 six-ounce can tomato paste; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 6 to 7 cups chicken broth; 14 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups half and half or heavy cream; 1 handful chopped fresh spinach; Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 45 reviews

If you’re craving something rich, cozy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s got everything you want in a bowl—savory Italian sausage, tender veggies, creamy broth, and that delightful cheesy tortellini that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I promise this recipe isn’t just good, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and seriously easy to whip up any night of the week.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of Italian sausage, fennel seed, and garlic creates a savory base that’s deeply satisfying.
Creamy yet Light: Using half and half or heavy cream gives the soup its luscious texture without it feeling too heavy.
Velvety Broth & Tender Tortellini: The flour-thickened broth coats the cheese tortellini perfectly, making every bite smooth and rich.
Quick and Easy Prep: This soup comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup, Italian Tortellini Soup, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty Italian sausage soup, quick creamy pasta soup - A large white pot filled with a thick, creamy soup that is orange-beige in color, speckled with small pieces of ground meat, green leafy vegetables, and small curved pasta shells. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup, showing its rich and smooth texture. The pot sits on a dark blue cloth on a white marbled surface, creating a warm and cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe is all about using fresh ingredients that build layers of flavor. Each component has its own role—from the sausage that gives it heartiness, to the spinach adding a burst of color and freshness. When shopping, grab quality cheese tortellini and don’t skip the wine; it adds that subtle depth that makes the soup extra special.

Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup, Italian Tortellini Soup, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty Italian sausage soup, quick creamy pasta soup - Flat lay of a small mound of raw mild Italian sausage, a diced yellow onion, two diced celery stalks, two peeled and diced large carrots, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of coarse kosher sea salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of crushed fennel seeds, a small white bowl with a dollop of rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini, a small white bowl of creamy half and half, a small handful of fresh chopped spinach, fresh parmesan wedge, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Ground mild Italian sausage: Brings authentic Italian flavor and rich, savory meatiness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aroma that’s essential for a great soup base.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and a mild herbal note to brighten the broth.
Carrots: Sweetness balances the sausage and gives body to the soup.
Garlic: A must-have for that punch of Italian flavor.
Kosher sea salt & black pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning throughout.
Italian seasoning & fennel seed: Classic Italian herbs that lift the flavor and complement the sausage perfectly.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a subtle tang that rounds out the broth.
Dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pot and adds complexity.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth to a silky consistency.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base; homemade or good-quality store-bought works.
Cheese tortellini: The star ingredient—pillowy pasta stuffed with creamy cheese that soaks up the broth.
Half and half or heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness just before serving.
Parmesan & fresh parsley: Garnishes that amp up the flavor and add freshness.

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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

I love making this soup exactly as is for that classic Italian vibe, but the beauty of a Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe is that it’s super flexible. You can personalize it to match your taste, your pantry, or what’s in season.

Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for hearty mushrooms or Italian-seasoned chickpeas. I’ve done this before, and it’s surprisingly flavorful without the meat.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce while sautéing the veggies.
Use different greens: If spinach isn’t your fave, kale or Swiss chard also work great—just add them a bit earlier so they soften.
Swap the wine: If you’re not into cooking with alcohol, white grape juice or extra broth can replace the wine without losing flavor too much.

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

Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Sautéing Veggies

Start by heating a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground mild Italian sausage and break it up with your spoon. You want it mostly browned before adding the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook this combo for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the sausage develops that beautiful caramelization. This layer sets the stage for all the flavors that follow.

Step 2: Building Flavor with Garlic, Spices & Tomato Paste

Next up, stir in minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, and tomato paste. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes, stirring often so the tomato paste doesn’t burn. This step is crucial because it deepens the soup’s flavor—don’t rush or skip it!

Step 3: Deglazing with Wine & Thickening

Pour in the dry white wine and let it cook off for a few minutes. The wine lifts all those browned bits off the pot—flavor gold right there. After that, sprinkle in the flour and stir well; the mixture will look dry and sticky at this point, but don’t worry. Slowly add your chicken broth while stirring to combine. This technique ensures your broth thickens up nicely without lumps.

Step 4: Simmering & Creamy Finish

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook low and slow for about 15 minutes. That’s where the magic happens as flavors meld beautifully. Next, stir in your half and half (or heavy cream) and gently heat until simmering again, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 5: Final Touch – Tortellini and Spinach

Finally, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the pot. Cook just until the tortellini is al dente, following the package directions—usually just a few minutes. The spinach wilts down beautifully, adding freshness without overpowering that creamy broth. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan. Trust me, dunking some crusty cheese bread in this soup is a must-do!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Browning: Searing the sausage well builds the base flavor—take your time so it’s nice and golden.
Toast Spices Gently: When cooking the tomato paste with spices, low and slow prevents bitterness and deepens the aroma.
Add Broth Gradually: Pour chicken broth slowly when mixing with flour to avoid lumps in your creamy soup.
Use Fresh Tortellini: It cooks perfectly fast and tender in the soup; frozen or dried won’t have quite the same texture.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup, Italian Tortellini Soup, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty Italian sausage soup, quick creamy pasta soup - A white bowl filled with thick orange soup that has visible small pieces of tortellini pasta, vegetables and herbs mixed in, topped with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and chopped green parsley. A woman's hand is holding the bowl's handle from the left side, and another woman's hand is holding a silver spoon dipping into the soup from the bottom right. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this soup, I’m all about fresh parsley and a generous snowy mound of Parmesan on top—those two add brightness and a salty kick that brightens the creamy comfort. If I’m feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil is the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to dunk into all that creamy goodness. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette also provides a zesty contrast if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this soup in rustic bread bowls—looks impressive and instantly elevates the experience. You can also sprinkle some crispy pancetta bits or toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup thickens quite a bit as it chills, so before serving, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to bring it back to that perfect, creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup before, but keep in mind the cream and tortellini can shift texture a bit. If you freeze it, it’s best to do so before adding the cream and tortellini. Freeze the broth with sausage and veggies, then add fresh cream and tortellini after thawing and reheating—it tastes fresh and delicious that way.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick. If the tortellini has gotten a little mushy, it’s okay—still delicious! Just cook it slowly so everything heats evenly without breaking down the pasta too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but I recommend adding it towards the end of cooking and watching the time carefully, since frozen tortellini usually needs just a few minutes to cook. Fresh tortellini tends to give the best texture, but frozen is a convenient substitute.
Is there a substitute for Italian sausage?

If you don’t have Italian sausage, ground pork or turkey with Italian seasoning works well too. For a vegetarian version, mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives are great options to keep the savory flavor.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

You can stir in a little more flour mixed with cold broth or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup gently. Just add it gradually over low heat and stir until you reach the desired creaminess.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the half and half or cream for a creamy coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese tortellini or omit the cheese and add some nutritional yeast for that umami flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect balance of comfort food and elegant flavors—quick enough for busy nights, but special enough to impress guests. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, stir it up in your own kitchen, and make it part of your regular soup rotation. Trust me, once you’ve had this creamy, comforting bowl in front of you, it’s downright addictive!