This Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is a family-friendly, comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. With savory Italian sausage, creamy tomato broth, and cheesy tortellini, it’s a perfect meal for busy nights or cozy weekends. The best part? Leftovers freeze beautifully, making this soup a great make-ahead meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ½ pound Italian sausage (chicken or pork), casings removed

• ½ red pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons pesto (optional)

• 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 2 cups half and half (or whole milk)

• 9 oz package cheese tortellini

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions

1. Sauté the sausage:
   In a large soup pot, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

2. Add vegetables and seasonings:
   Stir in the chopped red pepper, garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

3. Make the soup:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, pesto (if using), broth, and half and half to the pot. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Cook the tortellini:
   Add the tortellini and Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.

5. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 41g

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 51mg

• Sodium: 983mg

• Potassium: 729mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 12g

• Vitamin A: 902 IU

• Vitamin C: 26mg

• Calcium: 258mg

• Iron: 4mg

Why This Soup is So Special

This soup stands out because it’s both quick and delicious, combining fresh ingredients with pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful broth. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth of flavor, while the crushed tomatoes and half-and-half create a creamy, tangy base that perfectly complements the cheesy tortellini. The addition of pesto (optional but highly recommended) gives the soup an extra layer of flavor, with its aromatic herbs and rich basil notes.

What’s also wonderful about this soup is how well the tortellini absorbs the flavors of the broth while still retaining its soft, pillowy texture. The combination of hearty sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy pasta makes this soup filling and satisfying without being too heavy.

A Quick and Easy Recipe

Making Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is simple and doesn’t require a lot of time or specialized ingredients. Here’s how the process unfolds:

• Sauté the sausage: You start by browning the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. This helps render the fat and infuses the soup with all the wonderful flavors of the sausage.

• Add vegetables and seasonings: Then, you toss in the chopped red pepper, garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This aromatic base builds the foundation of the soup, adding depth and fragrance.

• Make the soup: After sautéing, you add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and half-and-half (or milk). The result is a rich, creamy tomato broth that’s comforting and flavorful.

• Cook the tortellini: Finally, you add the tortellini and Parmesan cheese, allowing everything to simmer together. The pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing the delicious flavors of the soup while becoming soft and tender.

The whole process takes 25 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy days when you want a quick yet satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Not only is this soup tasty, but it also offers a good balance of nutrients. Each serving provides 21 grams of protein, largely from the Italian sausage and cheese tortellini, making it a filling meal. It also delivers 5 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

The Parmesan cheese contributes calcium (258 mg per serving) for bone health, and the vitamin A (902 IU) from the tomatoes and other vegetables supports your immune system and eye health. The vitamin C (26 mg) helps boost your immunity as well, thanks to the tomatoes and red peppers.

While this soup has 14 grams of fat, much of this comes from the sausage and the cream, which gives the soup its rich texture. If you’re looking to cut back on fat, you could opt for low-fat sausage or use half-and-half instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content. The soup also contains iron (4 mg per serving), important for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the best things about this Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is that it’s highly customizable. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:

• Use Different Sausage: If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using ground turkey sausage or even chicken sausage. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, you could use spicy Italian sausage.

• Add More Veggies: You can easily sneak in more vegetables by adding spinach, kale, zucchini, or carrots. This will boost the nutritional value and add more color to your soup.

• Make It Vegetarian: If you want to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils. You can also use vegetable broth for a completely meatless soup.

• Adjust the Creaminess: You can adjust the richness of the soup based on your preference. For a lighter version, use skim milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half, and for an even richer taste, add a little more Parmesan cheese.

• Add More Herbs and Spices: If you love bold flavors, feel free to experiment with additional spices like oregano, basil, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more satisfying by pairing it with a few sides:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with any tomato-based soup, garlic bread helps soak up the rich broth and adds some crunch.

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the soup and provide a refreshing contrast.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts are great side dishes that add extra texture and nutrition to the meal.

Leftovers and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about this soup is that it freezes beautifully. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

If the soup is too thick after freezing, you can add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out as it reheats.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. With its rich tomato broth, hearty sausage, and cheesy tortellini, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and filling. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal, with leftovers that freeze beautifully for later enjoyment. Try this simple yet delicious recipe today, and enjoy a flavorful bowl of soup in just 25 minutes!