Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, hearty soup after a long day, and when you add Italian sausage and cheese-stuffed tortellini into the mix, dinner feels both cozy and indulgent. A sausage and tortellini soup recipe combines the richness of seasoned sausage with the tender bite of pasta, simmered in a flavorful broth that brings everything together beautifully.
It’s the type of dish that satisfies big appetites, comes together fairly quickly, and fills your kitchen with an aroma that makes everyone eager for dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this soup has a little bit of everything—protein, vegetables, pasta, and irresistible flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Italian sausage (mild or spicy) | 1 lb | 1,150 |
| Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) | 20 oz | 1,200 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 45 |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium | 50 |
| Celery, sliced | 2 stalks | 20 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | 150 |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | 90 |
| Fresh spinach | 3 cups | 20 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | ~5 |
| Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional) | ¼ cup | 110 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Brown the sausage – In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until golden and no longer pink.
- Add vegetables – Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the base – Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer – Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors deepen.
- Cook the tortellini – Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes) until pasta is tender.
- Add spinach – Stir in fresh spinach just before serving and let it wilt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve – Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Switch up the sausage: Try turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Make it creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, velvety texture.
- Boost the veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Turn up the heat: Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge; reheat gently to avoid overcooking tortellini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 ½ cups)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sausage and tortellini soup recipe with garlic bread, focaccia, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness. If you’re entertaining, serve with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes420
kcalIngredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (3–7 minutes).
- Stir in spinach until wilted. For creamier soup, add heavy cream and stir well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may soak up some broth, so you may need to add extra stock when reheating.
Freezing Tip: If you plan to freeze, make the soup without adding tortellini. Freeze the broth and sausage base, then cook and add tortellini fresh when serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes! Chicken or turkey sausage works perfectly if you want a lighter version of the soup.
2. Should I use fresh or frozen tortellini?
Both work great. Fresh cooks faster (about 3–4 minutes), while frozen takes a few extra minutes but still delivers delicious results.
3. How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
4. Can I freeze sausage and tortellini soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini since pasta can become mushy. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.
5. How can I make this soup creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving for a richer, creamier texture.
6. What vegetables go well in this soup?
Spinach, kale, zucchini, and bell peppers all complement the sausage and tortellini beautifully.
7. Is this soup spicy?
That depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage keeps it savory, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick.
Conclusion
When you need something hearty yet simple, a sausage and tortellini soup recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family dinner, this soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. One pot, minimal effort, and maximum flavor—exactly what homemade comfort food should be.
