The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, aromatic broth that will have your family scraping their bowls clean.

I first made this recipe on a snowy evening when I wanted something cozy but quick. With just a few simple ingredients, it became an instant family favorite. Now, it’s our go-to soup for busy weeknights or whenever we need a little extra comfort in a bowl.

Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Get ready to fall in love with the perfect one-pot soup that’s bursting with flavor and impossible to resist.

First, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is incredibly easy to make. You can have a satisfying, restaurant-quality soup on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is short.

It's a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The combination of cheesy tortellini and savory sausage appeals to even the pickiest eaters. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal everyone will love.

This recipe is also super versatile. Whether you prefer spicy sausage, a splash of cream for richness, or extra veggies for nutrition, you can tailor it to suit your family’s tastes and what you have in the fridge.

Best of all, it makes for excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, so a bowl of this soup the next day might just taste even better!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible flavor.

• Italian Sausage: For the best flavor, use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference. If you want a leaner option, try turkey or chicken sausage, but pork sausage delivers that rich, savory taste.
• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works beautifully in this soup, cooking quickly while adding a delightful texture and cheesy goodness. If you can’t find fresh, frozen tortellini is a great alternative.
• Broth: Use a good-quality chicken broth or homemade stock as the base of your soup. It provides a rich, savory depth of flavor that ties everything together.
• Vegetables: This recipe includes onion, garlic, and spinach for a mix of aromatics and freshness. Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or kale if you want to up the nutrition.
• Tomatoes: Crushed or diced canned tomatoes add a lovely acidity and body to the soup. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor.
• Seasonings: Simple herbs like basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes enhance the soup’s flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
• Heavy Cream (optional): For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. It adds a luscious, velvety texture.

If you have a Dutch oven or a large soup pot, that’s all the equipment you need to make this recipe effortlessly.

How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making this Sausage Tortellini Soup is as simple as it gets. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup ready in no time.

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed but leave a little for flavor.

Next, add chopped onions to the pot and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The combination of sausage, onions, and garlic will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine everything, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add tons of flavor to your broth.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini – you want them tender but not mushy.

Once the tortellini are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. This only takes about 1-2 minutes. If you’re using heavy cream, add it at this stage for that rich, creamy touch. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Serve your Sausage Tortellini Soup hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and warm, crusty bread for dipping. From start to finish, the entire process takes about 25-30 minutes, perfect for a busy evening.

Storage Options

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is fantastic for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to leave out the tortellini since they can become mushy when reheated. Freeze the sausage and broth mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, and add fresh tortellini.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

• Make it Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
• Switch the Greens: Not a fan of spinach? Use kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen peas for a different burst of freshness.
• Add More Veggies: Bulk up the soup with extra vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this soup.
• Change the Tortellini: Swap out cheese tortellini for spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled varieties for a different twist.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or adventurous eaters, this soup is versatile enough to suit any palate.

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the kind of recipe that brings everyone together around the table. It’s warm, hearty, and filled with comforting flavors that will quickly make it a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try this week – I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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