Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Hearty and comforting, this sausage tortellini soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its robust flavors.

Rich Italian sausage mingles perfectly with cheese-filled tortellini, creating a delightful meal in one pot.

Tender vegetables add depth and nutrition to each spoonful of this satisfying soup.

Packed with savory ingredients, the recipe comes together quickly and easily for busy home cooks.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

The combination of pasta, sausage, and aromatic seasonings promises a bowl of pure comfort.

Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Is a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Quick and Hearty Meal: Sausage tortellini soup delivers a satisfying, filling dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps make this recipe a lifesaver for home cooks wanting delicious food without complicated techniques.
  • Cozy Comfort Food: Rich, creamy broth combined with savory sausage and tender tortellini creates a warm, comforting dish that hugs your taste buds and provides ultimate winter warmth.
  • Customizable Flavor Profile: Easy to adapt with different protein options, extra vegetables, or alternative herbs, making it a versatile recipe for multiple taste preferences and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Tortellini Soup

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and bright color to the soup.
  • Baby Spinach: Introduces fresh green color and nutritional value to the dish.
Seasoning and Dairy:
  • Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Herbs that contribute Mediterranean-inspired flavor notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the soup's taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture in the soup.
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the hearty main ingredient.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.

Soup-Making Steps for Tortellini Lovers

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Sensations

Warm olive oil in a hefty pot over medium flame.

Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking it into delectable tiny bits while cooking until beautifully browned.

Step 2: Tame Tantalizing Aromatics

Tumble diced onion and minced garlic into the pot, stirring until they transform into soft, fragrant companions for the sausage.

Step 3: Build Broth Brilliance

Pour in vibrant chicken broth and juicy diced tomatoes.

Sprinkle in:
  • Dried basil
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Simmer Soulful Soup

Let the mixture bubble and dance, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Allow flavors to mingle and develop for 10 magical minutes.

Step 5: Cream and Green Magic

Swirl heavy cream into the pot, creating a luxurious base.

Toss in fresh baby spinach leaves, watching them gracefully wilt into the soup.

Step 6: Tortellini Treasure

Introduce plump tortellini to the simmering landscape.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until they become tender pillows of deliciousness.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring every spoonful sings with perfect harmony.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Tips for Flavorful Sausage Soup

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors like spicy or sweet varieties to enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Replace baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and different texture if desired.
  • Use half-and-half or whole milk as lighter alternatives to heavy cream for a less caloric option.
  • Opt for fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for better texture and flavor compared to dried versions.
  • Store leftover soup without tortellini to prevent pasta from becoming mushy during freezing and reheating.

Try These Tortellini Soup Variations

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or cauliflower gnocchi to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
  • Lighter Wellness Approach: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the soup creamy and nutritious.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during sausage cooking stage to introduce a bold, warming heat that elevates the soup's complexity.

Ways to Serve Up Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious soup broth and add extra texture.
  • Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for a creamy, rich flavor boost that melts beautifully into the warm soup.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, light element to the meal.
  • Garnish Flair: Top with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and additional herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.

Soup Storage: Keeping It Fresh

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as it can become mushy.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain desired consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe’s core structure.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding the cream and spinach before freezing, and add those fresh when reheating.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean turkey sausage, low-sodium chicken broth, and replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories and fat content.

  • What if I can't find tortellini?

No problem. You can replace tortellini with other pasta like ravioli, gnocchi, or small shell pasta to maintain the soup’s hearty texture.

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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust flavors with tender pasta pillows. Warm spices and rich broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (10 ounces) package cheese tortellini

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground sausage in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, methodically crumbling the meat into delicate fragments until golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing aromatic flavors, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stream chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot, then sprinkle dried herbs and seasonings, creating a robust flavor foundation.
  4. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature and allow the liquid to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, developing deep, complex taste profiles.
  5. Gently swirl heavy cream into the simmering mixture, introducing velvety richness and creating a luxurious texture.
  6. Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly within the liquid landscape.
  7. Introduce tortellini, carefully stirring and cooking for 6-8 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, ensuring each piece is tender yet maintains structural integrity.
  8. Taste and fine-tune seasonings with additional salt and pepper, guaranteeing a harmonious flavor balance before ladling into warm serving bowls.
  9. Serve immediately, capturing the soup’s peak temperature and vibrant essence.

Notes

  • Customize meat choices by using turkey or plant-based sausage for healthier alternatives that maintain robust flavor profiles.
  • Remove dairy cream and substitute with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for lactose-free and vegan-friendly options.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or kale to increase fiber and micronutrient content.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing additional salt, making the soup heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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