If you have ever dreamed of a soup that combines hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, yet surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this soup bursts with comforting flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe plays an essential role in crafting a delicious, well-balanced dish. From the savory sausage that delivers boldness to the vibrant vegetables that add freshness, each component enhances the overall flavor and texture.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): The star protein that brings a spicy or mild richness depending on your choice.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz refrigerated): These tender pasta pillows add a delightful cheesy bite that makes the soup truly special.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor once sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that lingers through the broth.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Bring a gentle earthiness and a pop of color to the pot.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Offer fresh crunch and balance the flavors with their mild bitterness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Enhance the broth with juicy tanginess and vibrant red hues.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that carries all the ingredients together in harmony.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds a delightful green freshness and tender texture just before serving.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the soup with classic Mediterranean herbs for that authentic taste.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing to bring out the flavors of the sausage and vegetables.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. Breaking it up with a wooden spoon helps ensure every bite has a perfect meaty texture without any large chunks.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and their natural sweetness starts to shine through. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, giving everything a good stir. This creates the rich, aromatic broth that ties the whole dish together.
Step 4: Simmer to Meld Flavors
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This slow simmering allows all the ingredients to harmonize, deepening the flavor and marrying the textures.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Now for the indulgent part—adding the cheese tortellini. Drop them into the pot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and become tender. This step turns the soup into a hearty, filling meal.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt gently for 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach adds a vibrant green color and a healthy boost without overwhelming the other flavors.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Some like to stir in a splash of cream here for extra richness, but it’s delicious as is. Serve the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts delightfully into the hot broth. A few torn fresh basil or parsley leaves add a pop of herbal brightness and make the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast that balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or mason jars for a rustic charm. You can also layer it over a scoop of risotto or polenta for a creative twist that personalizes the meal and wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes well, though tortellini may become a little softer when reheated. For best results, consider freezing the soup base separately and adding fresh tortellini when reheating to maintain perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Add any fresh spinach or cheese tortellini at the end of reheating to keep their texture bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that still offers plenty of flavor. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments since turkey sausage tends to be less spicy.
Is it okay to use frozen instead of fresh spinach?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and vibrant color, you can use frozen spinach if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup to avoid extra wateriness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add more veggies or beans for protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps it gentle, while hot Italian sausage adds a pleasant kick. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding tortellini and spinach during the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly a fantastic way to bring warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a family favorite — it’s hearty, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that satisfy every craving. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of this delicious soup!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Combining savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth infused with Italian seasoning, this soup is both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Pantry Items
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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 it is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon to create small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the 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 begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the tortellini float to the surface and are tender.
- Add fresh spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add cream at this point and stir to incorporate.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a creamier soup, add ½ cup of heavy cream when stirring in the spinach.
- Vegetables can be varied based on availability; zucchini or bell peppers would also work well.
- The soup can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Use gluten-free tortellini to make this dish gluten free.
