Get ready to dive spoon-first into a soul-warming bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup! This recipe brings together savory Italian sausage, plump cheese tortellini, tender greens, and a velvety tomato-cream broth for pure comfort in just 35 minutes. Each bite blends bold flavors and pillowy pasta, making it irresistible for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home. If you love an easy, creamy, one-pot wonder that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite, Sausage Tortellini Soup is about to claim a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious soup relies on a handful of approachable ingredients, each one playing a key role in building comforting layers of flavor, satisfying texture, or bright color. Grab these pantry favorites and a few fresh staples, and you’re just minutes from a pot of dreamy Sausage Tortellini Soup!
- Olive oil: Sautéing the sausage in olive oil helps brown it beautifully and adds richness to the base of the soup.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The main protein, bursting with herby, robust flavor – pick spicy if you crave a little extra heat!
- Yellow onion (diced): Essential for sweetness and depth, it creates the aromatic foundation that makes each spoonful deliciously savory.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses the broth with warmth and irresistible Italian character.
- Dried basil: Basil delivers fragrant, subtly sweet herbal notes throughout your soup.
- Dried oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, slightly peppery undertone that pairs perfectly with sausage.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick – add more or skip entirely based on your spice preference!
- Salt: Just enough to season the sausage and intensify all the flavors.
- Black pepper: A dash of pepper balances out the savory and creamy elements.
- Tomato paste: It thickens and enriches the broth, while giving the soup a gorgeous color and a hint of tang.
- Chicken broth: The liquid backbone for a flavorful, not-too-heavy base.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Tomatoes provide brightness and texture, making the soup fresh and vibrant.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These tender, cheese-stuffed pasta pillows are what make Sausage Tortellini Soup so cozy and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Just wilted in at the end for a pop of color and wholesome, leafy goodness.
- Heavy cream: Stirs in at the finish for that signature, silky-smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): A classic, nutty garnish that melts right into each steaming bowl.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by drizzling the olive oil into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly, getting it fully cooked and a little crispy around the edges – that’s where so much flavor develops!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is beautifully golden, toss in the diced onion. Let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onion looks translucent and smells sweet, add the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for just a minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Spoon in the tomato paste and stir until it melts into the sausage mixture, coating everything with deep, tomatoey goodness. Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes (including their juices). Give it all a big stir and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Stir the cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually 5 to 7 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not overcooked. The tortellini will plump up delightfully and soak in all the savory flavors from the broth.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Turn the heat down to low and gently fold in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Stir until the spinach just wilts and the broth becomes rich and silky. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed, then ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
Don’t stop at just Parmesan! Try scattering a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley over your Sausage Tortellini Soup for freshness. A drizzle of fruity olive oil or a crack of black pepper also brings a little flair to each bowl. If you like extra heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes over the top adds a fiery finish.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad creates a well-rounded dinner. The bread is perfect for dipping into the velvety broth, while a salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of your Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this into a showstopper by serving the soup in mini bread bowls or small mugs for a party or family gathering. Set up a “soup bar” with assorted toppings—think more grated cheese, croutons, or sautéed mushrooms—so everyone can customize their Sausage Tortellini Soup just the way they like it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, simply let your Sausage Tortellini Soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and flavors often develop even more overnight. Just keep in mind that tortellini might soak up some of the broth, giving you an even heartier soup the next day!
Freezing
While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that pasta and cream can both change a bit in texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and cream, then reheat and add those ingredients fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. If you do freeze everything together, it will still taste great, though the pasta may be softer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the consistency. For a quick lunch, microwaving in short bursts works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make Sausage Tortellini Soup with chicken or turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Both chicken and turkey sausage are excellent alternatives for a lighter version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Just make sure to brown them well to unlock all their savory goodness.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, so check the package directions and taste for doneness.
Can I substitute kale or another green for spinach in Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Definitely! Chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even escarole make great swaps. Just add tougher greens a minute or two earlier so they have time to soften fully.
How do I make Sausage Tortellini Soup dairy-free?
Simply skip the heavy cream and use a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based creamer. The soup will still be rich and flavorful, especially if you use chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I prepare Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the base of the soup ahead and store it in the fridge, then add tortellini and greens shortly before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a homemade pot of Sausage Tortellini Soup—warm, creamy, and brimming with bold Italian flavors. If you’ve never tried it before, I promise this bowl of comfort will win you over after just one spoonful. Make it once, and you’ll look forward to cozying up with this soup again and again!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup is a perfect meal for chilly evenings. Loaded with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying one-pot dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Add onion, garlic, herbs, spices, and tomato paste.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Simmer, then add tortellini and cook. Stir in spinach and cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- The soup reheats well, but add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
