Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining, this soup delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. It’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

What Is Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato-based broth. Enhanced with spinach or kale for added nutrition, this soup is both nourishing and indulgent. It’s an excellent choice for cold evenings or when you’re craving a comforting homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
  • Customizable: Adaptable for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
  • Rich and Satisfying: Combines protein, carbs, and greens in a single bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

  • In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Build the Base

  • Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the Tortellini

  • Return the browned sausage to the pot, then add the tortellini. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.

5. Finish with Cream and Greens

  • Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with:

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
  • Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad complements the richness of the soup.
  • Crackers or Breadsticks: For added crunch.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.

Freezing Instructions

  • This soup freezes well without the tortellini (as it can become mushy). Freeze the broth, sausage, and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add fresh tortellini, and cook until tender.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cheese tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Simply add frozen tortellini directly to the soup and adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup base and store it separately from the tortellini. Reheat the base, add fresh tortellini, and cook until tender.

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this soup is versatile and packed with flavor. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments!

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Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Recipe


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

 

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and creamy one-pot meal featuring Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a flavorful tomato and cream-based broth. Packed with greens and perfect for weeknight dinners, this soup is comforting and satisfying.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage:
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    Add olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Build the Soup Base:
    Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the Tortellini:
    Return the sausage to the pot. Add tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  5. Finish with Cream and Greens:
    Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, and add spinach or kale. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt.
  6. Serve:
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Ingredient Substitutions: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream for a vegan version, or swap spinach with kale for a heartier option.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup base in advance and add tortellini just before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze (without tortellini) for up to 2 months.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: ~450 per serving
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