Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage
1 package (20 oz / 565 g) cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, and cook until browned.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Build the broth: Pour in chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the tortellini: Stir in cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini.
5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Pro tip: For an extra-thick, velvety broth like the photo, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering soup before adding the cream.
Caption: This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, hearty, and ready in just 35 minutes!