Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced; 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors, this chicken sausage and tortellini soup is one of those recipes I keep on repeat during cooler months. It’s packed with tender cheese tortellini, flavorful chicken sausage, and a rich, creamy broth that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together. Every spoonful is warm, savory, and satisfying—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and comforting this soup is. It combines the ease of pre-cooked chicken sausage with the satisfying bite of cheese tortellini in a creamy, seasoned broth. The best part? It all comes together in under an hour and only requires one pot. It’s also very flexible—I can add spinach, kale, or extra vegetables to bulk it up or adjust the creaminess to my taste. It’s a feel-good meal I can make with pantry and fridge staples. Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken sausage, sliced (fully cooked)
Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Olive oil or butter
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Carrots, chopped
Celery, chopped (optional)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Spinach or kale (optional)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot and sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften.
I stir in the garlic and sliced chicken sausage, cooking until the sausage is lightly browned and everything smells fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
I add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 4–6 minutes, until they’re tender.
I reduce the heat and stir in the cream and Italian seasoning, letting the soup simmer gently to blend the flavors.
If I’m using spinach or kale, I stir it in at the end until wilted.
I season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste, then serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings and comes together in roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. Prep time is around 15 minutes, with about 25 minutes for cooking and simmering.

Variations

I sometimes use spicy chicken sausage for extra flavor or swap in turkey sausage if that’s what I have on hand.
For a thicker soup, I add a cornstarch slurry or a few tablespoons of cream cheese while the soup simmers.
If I want a lighter version, I use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
I’ve added mushrooms, zucchini, or even canned white beans for more bulk and texture.

Storage/reheating

I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the liquid, so I often add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cream smooth. Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I’ve used frozen tortellini successfully. I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What kind of chicken sausage works best?

I usually go for fully cooked Italian-style chicken sausage—mild or spicy, depending on my mood. Apple or smoked varieties also work well for a different twist.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t usually recommend freezing creamy soups with pasta because the texture can change, but it can be done. I let it cool completely, freeze in portions, and reheat gently with added broth.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I use a plant-based milk or cream alternative (like oat milk or coconut cream), and I make sure my tortellini and sausage don’t contain any dairy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes. I sometimes prepare the soup without the tortellini and add it when reheating to avoid overcooking. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Sausage & Tortellini Soup is one of those comforting, weeknight-friendly meals I turn to when I want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to adapt to whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m serving it to guests or enjoying it curled up on the couch, it always hits the spot.