Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days and can be enjoyed as a complete meal on its own or paired with crusty bread and a simple salad. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a great go-to recipe for family dinners or meal prep. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make the most delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
Salt and pepper, to taste
9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (usually one package)
2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, for a heartier option)
Optional Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Crushed red pepper flakes (for a hint of spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This pot should be big enough to hold the soup ingredients comfortably.
Add the Italian sausage to the pot. If the sausage is in casings, remove it first by slicing down the side of each casing and crumbling the sausage into the pot.
Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked and slightly caramelized, as this adds flavor to the soup.
Remove any excess grease by draining if necessary, then set the cooked sausage aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the garlic, stirring frequently, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic can burn easily, so keep an eye on it.
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. These vegetables will add a nice texture to the soup and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the sausage.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juice), and add the chicken broth. Stir to combine the ingredients, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add a lot of flavor to the soup.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Italian seasoning gives the soup a rich, herbaceous flavor that complements the sausage and tortellini perfectly.
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Spinach
Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini and slightly longer for frozen. Be careful not to overcook, as tortellini can become mushy if left in the soup too long.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to incorporate it with the tortellini and broth.
Add the spinach (or kale) and stir until wilted, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. Spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
Step 5: Add Cream and Serve
Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until the soup is creamy and well combined. The cream adds a luxurious texture to the soup, making it even more comforting.
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Top each bowl with Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creamy broth.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat with your soup.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup
Choose the Right Sausage: Italian sausage works best in this recipe, whether it’s mild or spicy, as it’s packed with flavor. However, you can also use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option.
Use Fresh Tortellini for the Best Texture: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a tender texture that’s ideal for soup. If using frozen tortellini, be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Don’t Add Tortellini Too Early: Tortellini cooks quickly, so add it toward the end of the cooking process to prevent it from getting too soft.
Add Cream Last: Adding cream after the soup has simmered helps preserve its creamy texture. If you add it too early, it may curdle.
Customize the Vegetables: While spinach is commonly used, you can add other greens or vegetables to suit your taste, such as kale, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Variations
Tomato-Based Sausage Tortellini Soup: If you prefer a tomato-heavy base, skip the cream and add more diced tomatoes or a few tablespoons of tomato paste. This will give the soup a robust, slightly tangy flavor.
Sausage and Mushroom Tortellini Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the soup when sautéing the onions. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the sausage well.
Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
Vegetable-Loaded Tortellini Soup: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for a nutritious twist. This adds color and texture to the soup.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer for the heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan cheese to make a dairy-free soup.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 0.6 pound ground Italian sausage hot or mild
- 0.6 small yellow onion diced
- 1.8 cloves garlic minced
- 1.8 Tablespoons flour
- 0.6 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.3 teaspoon oregano
- 0.6 pinch cayenne optional
- 0.6 teaspoon hot sauce
- 0.3 teaspoon mustard powder
- 0.15 teaspoon pepper
- 0.6 pinch red pepper flakes
- 0.6 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1.2 cups kale chopped
- 1.2 cups tortellini just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt/ to taste
Instructions
- The mustard powder and hot sauce are so subtle in this soup but help enhance the other flavors, so although you may be hesitant to add them, I highly recommend it!
- Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Cook and crumble the sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Drain grease. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
- Add the kale and tortellini and simmer for 3-5 minutes. (If your tortellini needs longer cooking time, add the tortellini first, then the kale during the last 5 minutes.)
- Taste the soup and add salt if desired. Start with ¼ tsp and add more after that if needed.
- Transfer to serving bowls and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup base ahead of time, but it’s best to add the tortellini and spinach right before serving to ensure they don’t become too soft. Reheat the soup, then add the tortellini and spinach for the best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the broth, so you can add a little more chicken broth or water when reheating.
Can I freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini and spinach, as they can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Add the tortellini and spinach fresh after thawing the soup base.
What other types of pasta can I use?
If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other small pasta like ravioli, ditalini, or small shells. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use different types of greens?
Absolutely! While spinach is a classic choice, kale, Swiss chard, or arugula would also work well.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This versatile soup is rich and creamy with a savory broth that complements the sausage and cheese-filled tortellini perfectly. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch, weeknight dinner, or special treat on a chilly day, it’s bound to become a family favorite. The combination of sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying. Enjoy with your favorite garnishes, a slice of garlic bread, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to savor every bite!