If your idea of cozy comfort involves rich flavors, pillowy pasta, and savory sausage simmered together in a creamy broth, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Quick to prepare but brimming with hearty Italian-American character, this soup balances spicy sausage, soft cheese-filled tortellini, and ribboned spinach in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry group or just want a soul-warming meal with minimal fuss, you’ll find this bowl satisfying, delicious, and ripe for weeknight repetition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient has a purpose—bringing just the right texture, flavor, or color to make the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe memorable. Let’s look at what goes into your soup pot and why every element is a must-have!
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings bold, meaty flavor—the heart of the soup! Choose spicy or mild depending on your mood.
- Onion (diced): Sweetens as it cooks and provides that classic soup base aromatics.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with irresistible garlicky goodness.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers that signature mix of herbs for unmistakable Italian flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little kick, perfect for those who like it spicy!
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Brings acidity and brightness—don’t skip them!
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the whole soup.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and satisfying.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The pasta star—chewy, cheesy, and quick to cook.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a tender green note to balance the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential finishing touches to bring every flavor into focus.
- Grated Parmesan: For sprinkling on top—a salty, umami-packed crown.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, crumble in the Italian sausage (with casings removed) and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, aiming for small, evenly browned bits. This step lays down a savory foundation and infuses every bite with mouthwatering sausage flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Once your sausage is golden and fragrant, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent—it’ll soak up all the drippings and build out the soup’s base. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about a minute until everything is fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (these hold so much flavor!). Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is when the soup really starts to come together, with the tomatoes lending a bright, tangy edge and the broth deepening all those savory notes.
Step 4: Simmer with Tortellini
Stir in the package of cheese tortellini, then let the soup bubble gently, cooking the pasta according to package instructions (usually around 5 to 7 minutes). The tortellini will plump up beautifully and soak up all the delicious broth, turning your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe into something truly cozy.
Step 5: Enrich with Cream and Spinach
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed closely by the fresh spinach. Gently simmer until the spinach wilts and the soup is fully heated through. The cream transforms the broth into a silky, luxurious base, while the spinach adds a pop of green freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Ladle your finished Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Top generously with grated Parmesan for that final hit of umami and enjoy the aroma as you dive in!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your bowl even more inviting, top your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley or basil, and a few extra red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. A drizzle of good olive oil also adds a rich gloss to the soup right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup is practically a meal on its own, but it really shines with a side of crusty Italian bread or warm focaccia for sopping up the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the richness, and for something extra hearty, consider serving with roasted veggies or garlic breadsticks.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or cozy family gatherings, serve the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for an Italian touch. For a fun twist, serve mini portions in mugs alongside antipasti, or top with herby breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making the next day’s bowl extra delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini (which can get mushy after thawing). Ladle the sausage, broth, and veggies into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, add fresh or frozen tortellini at the time of reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you find the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for even warming, and always add fresh tortellini just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time; just check the package and cook until the pasta is tender.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you don’t eat pork or sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken seasoned with a little fennel seed, garlic powder, and extra Italian herbs. Even plant-based sausage works wonderfully for a vegetarian twist!
Can I swap the spinach for another green?
Definitely. Kale is a hearty swap, and baby arugula adds a peppery bite. Simply stir in your favorite leafy green just before finishing the soup and simmer until wilted.
Is this soup spicy?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage and whether you add the red pepper flakes. For a milder soup, use sweet Italian sausage and skip the red pepper. For more kick, opt for hot sausage or add extra flakes to taste.
How can I make this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, sub the tortellini for gluten-free pasta or gluten-free stuffed pasta, and ensure your sausage and broth are labeled gluten-free. The creamy, comforting flavors will still shine through!
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe always brings smiles around the table, and it truly captures the joy of home-cooked comfort food. If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor, give it a try and let a big, steaming bowl warm your heart and your kitchen!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup, a hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach in a creamy broth. This soup is bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Additional:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Soup: Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Stir in tortellini, cook as per package instructions. Lower heat, add cream and spinach, simmer until heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on preference.
- Swap spinach with kale or use frozen tortellini for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
