Description
A quick, comforting 15-minute soup made with Italian sausage, canned cream of tomato soup, heavy cream, and frozen cheese tortellini. It’s a pantry-friendly, restaurant-quality meal that is easier than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed if using links)
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) condensed cream of tomato soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 package (9-10 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and crumbled (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- If using onions, add them to the browned sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes in the last minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Add the canned cream of tomato soup and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Do not boil vigorously.
- Drop the frozen tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Stir gently to submerge and cook according to package directions, usually 5-7 minutes, until they float and are plump.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. Serve immediately with optional toppings like Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
Notes
For best results, brown the sausage properly to build flavor. Do not overcook the tortellini as it can become mushy. If freezing, freeze the soup base without the tortellini and cook fresh tortellini upon reheating to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: tortellini soup, creamy soup, Italian sausage soup, quick dinner, comfort food, 15 minute meals, easy soup, weeknight dinner