Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of warm, creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with tender sausage, hearty vegetables, and pillowy tortellini. This Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup hits all the right notes—it’s savory, slightly spicy, and so cozy you’ll want seconds (and maybe thirds). Imagine digging into a bowl where every spoonful is loaded with rich broth, tender sausage, sweet vegetables, and soft cheese-filled pasta. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or meal prep that feels indulgent without being complicated.

This soup is a little fancy, a little rustic, and 100% satisfying. It’s perfect for warming you up on chilly evenings, impressing guests without too much effort, or just treating yourself to something deliciously cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed

Every ingredient adds a layer of flavor, from the caramelized onions to the garlic and tomato paste. Add in the wine, herbs, and chili flakes, and you’ve got a soup that’s deeply savory with a hint of heat.

Hearty & Satisfying

With sausage, tortellini, and vegetables, this soup is filling and nourishing. You’ll get protein, carbs, and plenty of vegetables all in one bowl.

Creamy Comfort

A touch of Parmesan and optional cream adds richness without overpowering the flavors, giving you a luxurious texture that feels indulgent but not heavy.

Easy to Make

Even though it tastes like something that took hours, this soup comes together in under an hour with straightforward steps.

Versatile

Swap in chicken sausage or Italian pork sausage depending on your preference. Use whatever tortellini you like—cheese, spinach, or even mushroom-filled.

Crowd-Pleasing

This soup is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or batch cooking for the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Recipe Origin

This soup is inspired by Italian comfort food classics where sausage, tomato, and fresh pasta come together in a cozy, brothy dish. Tortellini adds a playful and filling touch that transforms a simple soup into a complete meal. A little cream and Parmesan round out the flavors for that perfect creamy, hearty texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Small bowl (optional for tossing Parmesan or cream)

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Unsalted Butter: Used to sauté vegetables and add a touch of richness.

Chicken Sausage or Italian Pork Sausage: Adds savory protein and flavor to the soup. Sautéing releases its juices, which help create a rich base.

Yellow Onion, Celery, Carrots, Garlic: Classic soffritto ingredients that build the foundational flavor.

Tomato Paste: Deepens the savory, umami flavor and balances the richness of the sausage.

Italian Herb Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary brings that warm, familiar Italian flavor to the soup.

Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it a creamy, comforting texture.

Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity. Cooked down, it leaves a subtle richness.

Bone Broth: Rich and flavorful base that creates a hearty soup.

Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: Sweet, bright, and tangy, providing a beautiful tomato base for the soup.

Bay Leaves: Infuse the soup with an aromatic, subtle earthiness.

Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.

Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that soaks up the flavorful broth.

Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that rounds out the soup.

Heavy Cream (Optional): For extra creaminess and richness.

Chili Pepper Flakes: A subtle heat to give the soup a little kick.

Instructions

Prepare the Base

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Cook the Sausage

Add chicken sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through.

Build the Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and Italian herb seasoning, cooking for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the sausage and vegetables.

Deglaze the Pot

Pour in dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes.

Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in bone broth and canned San Marzano tomatoes. Stir to combine, then add bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Add Spinach and Tortellini

Add fresh spinach and tortellini to the soup. Cook until the tortellini are tender, following the package instructions.

Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Stir in Parmesan and optional heavy cream. Add chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for a few more minutes to heat through and let the soup thicken slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 400–450
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup

With Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Family Dinner: Great as a complete one-pot meal with vegetables and protein in every bite.
Lunch Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for an easy, comforting lunch.
Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Soup can be made a day ahead—the flavors deepen overnight. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Variations to Try

Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with roasted vegetables or plant-based sausage.
Cheese-Filled Tortellini: Use your favorite fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom for variety.
Extra Creamy: Increase heavy cream or blend part of the soup for a velvety texture.

Additional Tips

Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter, richer flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure the perfect balance.
Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should remain tender, not mushy.
If using pork sausage, drain excess fat if needed to prevent a greasy soup.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A1: Yes, just slice it and add it toward the end to warm through.

Q2: Can I use store-bought broth?
A2: Absolutely. Bone broth adds more depth, but chicken broth works fine.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A3: Freeze without tortellini for best results. Add pasta fresh when reheating.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
A4: Substitute cream with coconut milk or omit it. Use dairy-free Parmesan or skip.

Q5: Can I use spinach substitutes?
A5: Kale or Swiss chard works well. Add them a little earlier since they’re tougher.

Q6: Can I make this soup thicker?
A6: Use less broth or let it simmer uncovered to reduce.

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
A7: Yes, peel and chop fresh tomatoes; adjust cooking time slightly.

Q8: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A8: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Yes, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Q10: Can I add more vegetables?
A10: Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, or peas would be excellent additions.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a perfect blend of hearty, comforting, and flavorful. With tender sausage, soft tortellini, sweet vegetables, and rich creamy broth, it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Serve it up with crusty bread or enjoy it as-is for a comforting bowl of soup that warms both your body and your soul. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, especially when you want something satisfying, delicious, and easy to make.

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