If you’re looking for a bowl of pure comfort, bursting with robust flavors and creamy goodness, Sausage Tortellini Soup is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This cozy, one-pot wonder combines plump cheese tortellini, hearty Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a velvety tomato broth into a soup that’s both indulgent and soul-soothing. Every spoonful brings warmth and satisfaction, with a delightful balance of textures and a lovely pop of color from the fresh greens. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re craving a restaurant-style meal at home, Sausage Tortellini Soup truly delivers on both flavor and ease, making it a staple you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component enhances the final taste, texture, or even color, making every ingredient count. Gather these basics, and you’ll be amazed how quickly Sausage Tortellini Soup comes together in your kitchen!
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the sausage and vegetables evenly.
- Italian sausage: The star protein brings plenty of heartiness and a little kick (choose spicy or mild to your taste).
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and lovely depth to the base of the soup.
- Garlic: Lends punchy fragrance and extra savoriness; don’t skip it!
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses those herby, classic Italian notes that make the soup sing.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect if you like a gentle heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the flavorful foundation for your soup while keeping it from getting too salty.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): These add bright acidity and the signature tomato goodness you expect in a comforting bowl.
- Heavy cream: Blends in silkiness, taking your soup from great to absolutely dreamy.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The bite-sized pasta parcels that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Fresh spinach: Gently wilts in the hot soup, giving color, texture, and a little nutritional boost.
- Salt and black pepper: Finishes the soup perfectly, allowing you to season to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil: Optional garnishes for savory, cheesy, and herby brightness on top.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a generous tablespoon of olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the Italian sausage (with the casings removed). Break up the meat into bite-sized crumbles as it sizzles. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the sausage is beautifully browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, carefully spoon some off before continuing.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your diced yellow onion right into the pot with the sausage. Stir frequently and let the onion soften and turn translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook it all for about 1 more minute, just until the garlic releases its fantastic aroma and the spices toast slightly – you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells irresistible!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Now pour in the chicken broth and entire can of diced tomatoes (juices included). Give everything a good stir to loosen any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step melds all the flavors, developing that richly layered taste Sausage Tortellini Soup is known for.
Step 4: Add Cream and Tortellini
Lower the heat so the soup is just below a simmer. Pour in the heavy cream and add your cheese tortellini straight from the fridge. Give it a gentle stir and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and perfectly cooked through. The cream will give the broth a lovely pale pink hue and extra body.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Season
Right before serving, fold in the chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1 to 2 minutes in the steaming soup. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The spinach not only adds vibrant green color but brightens up the soup with freshness.
Step 6: Ladle and Garnish
Spoon hot Sausage Tortellini Soup into bowls and, if you like, shower each with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately and prepare for a round of applause!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
There’s nothing better than a finishing flourish. I love to scatter freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves over each bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup. You could also try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a spoonful of pesto makes each bite pop with herby brightness.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, warm garlic knots, or even a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re going for a bigger spread, serve with roasted veggies or a tray of antipasto for a full Italian-American feast!
Creative Ways to Present
Make it special by serving Sausage Tortellini Soup in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style touch. For a fun family dinner, set up a little garnish bar so everyone can top their own with fresh herbs, cheese, or even croutons. The soup looks stunning in a Dutch oven on the table, letting everyone ladle their own servings straight from the pot.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. Keep in mind, the tortellini will keep soaking up that delicious broth, but it just gets better and cozier the next day.
Freezing
Want to freeze this soup? For best results, freeze the broth, sausage, and vegetables before adding the tortellini and spinach. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the base, add fresh tortellini and spinach, and finish cooking. If you do freeze the whole soup (tortellini included), the pasta will soften but it’s still delightful after reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Or, reheat individual servings in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. The soup is rich, so give it a stir halfway to distribute the cream evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if you need to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, following the package instructions for frozen tortellini. The soup is super flexible and turns out great either way.
Is there a way to make Sausage Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
Yes, look for gluten-free cheese tortellini at your grocery store or specialty market. The rest of the soup ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just swap the pasta and you’re all set.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly lighter soup. The broth won’t be quite as creamy, but it will still be absolutely delicious and satisfying.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Choose hot Italian sausage and use the full amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or even add a pinch more. You could also stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra fiery kick.
Can I substitute a different green for spinach?
Definitely! Chopped kale works beautifully, just give it a couple of extra minutes to get tender. Swiss chard or even baby arugula would also be tasty alternatives in Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience your own bubbling pot of Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary evenings into something memorable, inviting everyone back for seconds. Try it soon, make it your own, and share the warmth and joy with the people you love!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a creamy and comforting one-pot meal that combines savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and a touch of heavy cream. With a hint of spice and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5–10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and tortellini, cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use frozen tortellini—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a thicker soup, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste while sautéing the onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
