Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
If you’re craving the perfect blend of creamy comfort and punchy Italian flavors, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is about to claim a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s brimming with juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a swirl of luscious cream—making every spoonful satisfying. Even if you’ve never tried a soup quite like this, you’ll fall for its cozy warmth and how quickly it comes together on busy weeknights. There’s just nothing quite like this hearty, crowd-pleasing bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup keeps things simple but brings in big flavors thanks to a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each addition—from the sausage to the sprinkle of Parmesan—contributes texture, color, or that signature savory taste that makes the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe so memorable.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): The flavor backbone of the soup—feel free to use mild or spicy depending on your crowd.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich base flavor and keeps everything browning beautifully in the pot.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Gives a savory-sweet foundation that builds depth with every simmer.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for fragrant, unmistakable Italian aromatics.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Bring a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Infuses a gentle earthiness and crunch.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic herbal essence you expect in Italian dishes.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Layers on robust, peppery notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick, perfect for spice lovers.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the flavorful liquid gold for your soup.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Boosts tanginess and gives the soup a lovely rust-colored hue.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Swirls in silkiness and balances acidity for that irresistible creamy finish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (1 package, 9 ounces): The chewy, cheesy highlight in every bowl—use your favorite flavor.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Wilts into the soup right at the end, adding nutrition and a pop of green.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For serving—a salty, umami-rich finishing touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced bowl.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage (with casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nicely browned. This step builds a flavor-packed base for your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. If there’s excess grease, carefully spoon some off and discard.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the browned sausage. Sauté everything for around five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and their flavors begin to meld. This is when the kitchen will start to fill with the irresistible scent of cozy Italian comfort food!
Step 3: Add Herbs and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Stiring the spices directly into the hot mixture helps release their essential oils, giving your soup a deeper, more complex flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids
Now, pour in the chicken broth and the full can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Give everything a good stir, then bring the pot up to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, allowing all those flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Add Pasta
Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup that signature creamy texture. Gently add the cheese tortellini straight into the broth and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes. The tortellini will puff up and float to the top when perfectly tender and cheesy inside.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Final Seasoning
Stir in the fresh spinach and give it another minute or two until wilted and vibrant green. Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper if needed—remember, the sausage and Parmesan bring some saltiness on their own.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Parmesan
Ladle the steamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe into bowls. Sprinkle each generously with grated Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch only real Italian-inspired soups deserve.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable, but you can also scatter on chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley for an extra hit of color and freshness. Cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil amped up with a wedge of lemon can take the experience over the top.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe shines alongside a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a warm focaccia for dipping up every last drop. For a lighter side, consider a simple green salad tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, ladle the soup into large mugs for a cozy, informal starter. Or serve it in bread bowls for a wow-factor main course! Individual crocks with a mini broiled Parmesan toast on top are perfect for a bistro feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to get even better as they mingle, just be aware the tortellini will soak up more liquid and become softer over time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. The base freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw, bring to a gentle simmer, then add fresh tortellini and cream right before serving for the ideal texture.
Reheating
Simply reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of extra broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works as well, just keep an eye on it and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage are fantastic lighter options and will still lend plenty of flavor to the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. Just pick your favorite variety—mild or spicy—for a custom twist.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works beautifully. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—just simmer until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you love or have on hand, such as kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables should be added later to prevent overcooking—this recipe is adaptable to your fridge’s bounty!
How spicy is this soup?
The level of heat is totally up to you! The standard Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but you can skip them if you’re spice-averse or amp them up for more boldness. Hot Italian sausage gives an extra boost, too!
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! This soup is party-perfect. For the best texture, make the broth and veggie base in advance, but wait to add the tortellini and spinach until just before serving—this way, the pasta stays tender and the greens vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a pot of this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe—it’s as comforting as it is delicious. Every spoonful bursts with creamy, herby, hearty goodness that’s sure to bring smiles around your table. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to gather your ingredients and dive into this unforgettable bowl of comfort!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth, this soup is a perfect meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini. Cook for 6–8 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Soup: Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- If preparing ahead, cook the tortellini separately and add it when serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
