Creamy Turkey Sausage Tortellini Soup: Easy Dinner (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Creamy Turkey Sausage Tortellini Soup! This easy recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table, perfect for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground turkey sausage, mild Italian style
03 - 1 yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 - 1 (19 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
08 - 5 oz fresh spinach

→ Creaminess & Flavor

09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

→ Seasonings & Spices

11 - 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
12 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your ground turkey sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. You'll smell that savory goodness filling your kitchen – that’s the start of something wonderful! Drain any excess fat, though with turkey sausage, there usually isn't much. I once forgot to drain it and the soup was a bit greasy, so don't be like me!
02 - To the same pot, add the chopped yellow onion. Let it cook down for about 5-7 minutes until it's softened and translucent. This is where the kitchen starts smelling incredible. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for just about a minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn – that’s a quick way to a bitter soup, and I've had that oops moment more times than I care to admit. Keep it moving!
03 - Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's all flavor, baby! Add the Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all those flavors start to meld and deepen. It should smell warm and inviting, like a hug in a pot!
04 - Once the broth is simmering, carefully add the refrigerated tortellini. Cook according to package directions, usually just 3-5 minutes, until they’re al dente. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy, and nobody wants that! Right after the tortellini are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. It’ll wilt down quickly into the hot soup, adding a pop of color and a touch of freshness. It’s amazing how much spinach disappears!
05 - Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir it in gently until the soup is beautifully creamy and heated through. You don't want to boil the cream once it's added, just warm it up. This step transforms the soup from hearty to truly luxurious. Taste it now – adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I add another pinch of red pepper flakes here, just for fun!
06 - Ladle the warm Creamy Turkey Sausage Tortellini Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. The steam rising from the bowl, the vibrant colors – it's just so inviting. Serve immediately and watch those happy faces! This soup just tastes like home, honestly.

# Notes:

01 - Always use *fresh* garlic and onion for the best flavor base; the pre-chopped stuff just doesn't deliver the same punch.
02 - When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop to prevent the creamy sauce from separating.
03 - If you're out of turkey sausage, Italian pork sausage or even ground chicken works, just adjust seasoning.
04 - Serve with a crusty loaf of garlic bread - it's the perfect pairing for soaking up every delicious drop.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - ladle

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-35g

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