Sausage Tortellini Soup

There’s nothing like a big, hearty bowl of soup to warm you up, especially when it’s packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort in every bite, combining rich, savory sausage, tender tortellini, and flavorful vegetables, all simmered in a delicious broth. Whether it’s a cold winter day or you just need something nourishing, this soup will do the trick.

This soup is more than just a quick meal—it’s an all-in-one dish that’s loaded with protein, veggies, and tender pasta, making it filling and satisfying. The savory Italian sausage infuses the broth with depth, while the cheese-filled tortellini adds a rich, creamy texture to every spoonful. Toss in some fresh spinach or kale, and you’ve got a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will love.

One of the best parts about Sausage Tortellini Soup is how easy it is to prepare. It’s a one-pot dish, meaning minimal cleanup, and it’s ready in just 30-40 minutes. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand—whether you like it spicy or mild, with more veggies or a heartier broth. It’s also great for meal prep or serving guests at a casual dinner. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this soup and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling: The combination of sausage, tortellini, and vegetables makes this soup a complete meal that’s hearty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein, carbs, and nutrients to keep you satisfied.
2. Easy to Make: This soup comes together in one pot, making it a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. There’s minimal prep, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
3. Customizable: You can tailor this soup to your liking by using spicy or mild sausage, adding different veggies, or even swapping out the tortellini for another type of pasta.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or guests, this soup is sure to impress. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it a perfect dish for sharing.
5. Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. It also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
• Crusty bread for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage:

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If the sausage releases too much fat, you can drain some of it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Cook the Tortellini:

Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 5-7 minutes for frozen. The tortellini should be tender but not overcooked.

5. Add the Spinach and Cream:

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. It will wilt down quickly in the hot soup. Finally, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes at this point. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

How to Serve

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for serving as a main course, but it also works well as part of a larger meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth and makes the meal even more satisfying.
• With a Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the soup.
• As a Starter: If you’re hosting a dinner party, serve small bowls of this soup as a starter course. It’s an impressive, flavorful way to begin a meal.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of this dish, so be sure to use a high-quality Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on your heat preference. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage.
2. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, so be sure to watch it closely. You want it to be tender but still hold its shape. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, which will affect the texture of the soup.
3. Substitute Veggies: If you don’t have spinach or kale on hand, you can substitute with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or even collard greens. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly in the soup.
4. Creamy or Brothy: If you prefer a lighter, brothier soup, you can reduce or omit the cream. The soup will still be delicious, with a tomato-based broth instead of a creamy one.
5. Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the cheese tortellini for a gluten-free pasta or gnocchi. There are many gluten-free options available that will work well in this soup.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version of this soup. You can also stir in a little sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Tortellini Soup: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to make the soup heartier.
• Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup: If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can swap it out for cooked, shredded chicken. This will give you a lighter, chicken-based version of the soup that’s just as satisfying.
• Gnocchi Substitution: If you can’t find tortellini, you can substitute gnocchi or another small pasta like orecchiette or mini shells. Gnocchi will give the soup a similar texture but with a slightly different flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you can add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.

Freezing: This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy when frozen. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator

overnight and reheat it on the stove. Cook and add the tortellini fresh when reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a little more broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Special Equipment

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the sausage and make the soup. A pot with a thick bottom is ideal for even cooking and preventing the soup from scorching.
• Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is great for breaking up the sausage and stirring the soup as it simmers.
• Ladle: A ladle will make serving the soup easier, especially when scooping up the tortellini and sausage along with the broth.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe? – Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this soup. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Frozen tortellini usually takes a few minutes longer to cook than fresh.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? – Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors develop even more after sitting for a day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. If making it ahead, wait to add the tortellini until just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.

3. Can I make this soup without cream? – Yes! If you prefer a broth-based soup, you can omit the cream altogether. The soup will still be flavorful, with a tomato and broth base instead of a creamy one.

4. How can I make this soup dairy-free? – To make this soup dairy-free, omit the cream and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream if you still want a creamy texture.

5. What other vegetables can I add? – You can add a variety of vegetables to this soup, depending on what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and green beans all work well. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

6. Can I use a different type of sausage? – Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a great depth of flavor, you can use other types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. How can I make this soup spicier? – If you love spice, use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can also stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and comforting. It’s packed with flavor from the savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich, creamy broth, all infused with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this soup is sure to please.

Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable—so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s a one-pot wonder that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted, no matter the season.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Be sure to snap a picture of your Sausage Tortellini Soup and share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see how yours turns out. Happy cooking! 🍲

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