If you’ve been searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing soup that’s bursting with flavor and heartiness, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend. With perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a vibrant veggie medley all simmered in a rich broth, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a group, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret behind this soup’s incredible depth of flavor and appealing texture. Each component plays a role, from the spicy sausage adding a savory kick to the fresh spinach lending a bright pop of color and nutrients.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Use mild or hot depending on your spice preference; it’s the soup’s flavorful backbone.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): These little pasta pockets bring creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and balance when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Delivers a fragrant punch that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Provide subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Contribute fresh, aromatic notes and texture.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Add acidity and richness to the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the savory, comforting liquid base.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Brings a lovely pop of green and tender bite.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and adding a silky finish.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat well is key as it creates a deep, savory flavor base you’ll taste in every spoonful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Let these cook together for about 5 minutes to soften and release their natural sweetness, setting the stage for the broth.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to distribute the flavors evenly before bringing the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Reduce the heat and let the soup gently simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, and the vegetables to soften further, creating a comforting and well-rounded broth.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the tortellini float to the surface and are tender. This ensures the pasta is perfectly done without turning mushy, preserving that delightful chewy texture.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach wilts quickly, adding color and that lovely fresh taste right at the end, so it retains its nutrients and vibrant green shade.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and tweak the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Now’s the perfect moment to add a splash of cream if you want a richer version. Ladle it up hot and prepare for some serious soul-warming enjoyment.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese amplifies the cheesy goodness while a few torn basil or parsley leaves add a fresh, herbal brightness. Crushed red pepper flakes also jazz things up nicely if you like a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple crusty bread or garlic breadsticks—perfect for dipping and mopping up every last bit of flavorful broth. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can also complement the heartiness with a peppery crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, edible presentation that always impresses. For a colorful twist, top each bowl with a swirl of pesto or dollop of ricotta cheese to add layers of flavor and a beautiful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness and flavor. The tortellini may absorb some broth over time, so you might want to loosen the soup with a splash of broth upon reheating.
Freezing
While this soup freezes well, freezing can slightly change the texture of the cheese tortellini. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the tortellini fresh when serving, or freeze the soup without the pasta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little extra broth or water can help recreate the original consistency, especially if the pasta has swollen or absorbed too much liquid.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, keeping it flavorful but a bit lighter.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, just substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for umami. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and color, frozen spinach works in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid extra liquid in the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends mainly on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage creates a gentle heat, whereas hot sausage will add a more noticeable kick. You can always add crushed red pepper to adjust spice to your liking.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes to keep their texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that instantly makes your home feel warm and inviting. It’s easy to prepare, delightfully flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. Grab your ingredients and dive into this deliciously satisfying bowl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and spinach in a savory broth seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is quick to prepare and packs a delicious punch with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together wonderfully.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini float to the surface and are tender but still maintain their shape.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you wish to add cream for richness, stir it in at this point.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy your delicious, comforting meal immediately.
Notes
- You can use either mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- For a richer soup, consider stirring in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard as per your preference.
