Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Rich, Hearty & Cozy Comfort Bowl)

Sarah Smith
Dec 17, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy tortellini soup with sausage and kale in a ladle. Rich, orange broth with green and yellow accents creates a comforting, warm mood.

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl — rich, savory, and loaded with flavor. Italian sausage is simmered with garlic, herbs, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy broth that feels indulgent without being heavy. Finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan, it’s the kind of cozy soup that warms you from the inside out.

Serve it with Apple Pecan Salad or Cranberry Spinach Salad for contrast, and pair it with Homemade Italian Bread to soak up every last spoonful of that creamy, sausage-infused broth.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting soup loaded with tender tortellini and savory sausage
Rich flavor balanced with a cozy, velvety broth
Hearty, filling meal that comes together easily
Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or satisfying leftovers

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 6

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings)

Calories: 520

Protein: 22g

Carbohydrates: 34g

Fat: 34g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Break into crumbles and drain excess grease if needed.
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in heavy cream and return to a low simmer.
Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 5–7 minutes).
Stir in spinach and Parmesan until wilted and melted.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes — add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this soup spicy?

It’s mild with regular sausage. Use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Can I make this lighter?

Yes. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce Parmesan slightly.

Does this soup reheat well?

It does, but the tortellini will soften. Add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I freeze it?

Freeze it before adding tortellini and cream. Add those fresh when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad. This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal but pairs beautifully with lighter sides.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or anytime you need a cozy bowl of comfort food. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite.