Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl filled with tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich broth that warms you up from the inside out. It's…
Tip: save now, cook later.Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl filled with tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich broth that warms you up from the inside out. It’s a simple dish that brings together just the right mix of meaty, cheesy, and herby flavors in every spoonful.
I love making this soup on chillier days when I want something cozy but not too heavy. The sausage adds a bit of spice and depth, while the tortellini gives it a nice, soft bite that feels special but is surprisingly easy to cook. It’s one of those soups I find myself coming back to again and again because it’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
My favorite way to serve Sausage Tortellini Soup is with crusty bread for dunking and maybe a simple green salad on the side. It’s a great meal for sharing with family or friends—everyone enjoys the flavors, and it feels like a warm hug in bowl form. Plus, leftovers taste just as good the next day, so it’s perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner anytime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the flavor star of the soup. If you want less spice, pick mild sausage, or go spicy if you like a kick. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and adds a creamy texture from the cheese filling. Frozen or dried tortellini also work but may need a few extra minutes.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds color and freshness. You can swap it for kale or Swiss chard but add those a bit earlier to soften.
Potato: This adds body and texture, but it’s optional. If you’d rather keep it lighter, you can skip it or replace it with diced carrots or celery.
Chicken Broth & Tomatoes: These create a flavorful, slightly tangy base. If you prefer, vegetable broth is a fine substitute for a vegetarian twist (just swap sausage for a meat alternative).
How Do I Cook Sausage and Keep It Tender in the Soup?
Cooking the sausage just right is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat before adding sausage. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- Break the sausage into small pieces and cook without crowding the pan. Let them brown nicely for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sausage before cooking onions to avoid overcooking the sausage and keep it juicy.
- Add the sausage back after simmering the broth so it finishes cooking gently with the soup’s flavors.
This way, your sausage stays tender inside with a flavorful browned outside, making every bite satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the sausage and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring and breaking up the sausage without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife – sharp for chopping onions, garlic, and potatoes quickly and safely.
- Cutting board – keeps your prep area clean and organized.
- Ladle – makes serving the soup easy and neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter, leaner option that still packs flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthier taste and extra texture.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your soup with more heat.
- Mix in some fresh basil or oregano at the end for an herbaceous twist.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), removed from casing and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, adds texture)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious soup ready in around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you smell that lovely garlic aroma.
3. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices. If you’re using potatoes, add them now along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.
5. Add Sausage and Tortellini:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, along with the cheese tortellini. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are cooked just right—soft but with a little bite.
6. Wilt the Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook them just until they wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. Scoop the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works well—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure it’s heated through and tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the soup hearty and full of flavor.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. Add fresh spinach and tortellini during reheating to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for even warming.