A hearty and comforting bowl of sausage and tortellini soup is perfect for cozy evenings or a quick lunch. Packed with flavorful sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich broth, this dish comes together with simple ingredients yet feels like a gourmet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s:
- Quick and easy to make on a busy day.
- Loaded with flavorful ingredients like Italian sausage and creamy tortellini.
- A complete meal in one bowl—perfect for sharing with family or friends.
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later!
Ingredients
Here are some of the key ingredients that make this soup so delicious:
- Italian sausage adds a bold, savory flavor.
- Cheese tortellini brings a satisfying, cheesy goodness to every bite.
- Fresh spinach gives the soup a vibrant pop of color and nutrients.
- Diced tomatoes and chicken broth create a rich, flavorful base.
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Start by browning the sausage in a large pot until it’s fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic and onions to the pot, cooking until fragrant and soft.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Add spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Mild, spicy, or a combination works well.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini! Keep an eye on them as they can become mushy if left in the broth for too long.
- If the soup thickens after sitting, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different texture.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan for a creamier broth.
- Throw in some veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this soup with:
- A crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- A simple green salad for a refreshing side.
- A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a warm mug of cider for cozy vibes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions without the tortellini (they can become mushy when reheated). Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just add them directly to the simmering soup and adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. How do I thicken the soup?
For a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.
4. What can I do if the soup is too salty?
Add a splash of unsalted chicken broth or a peeled potato to absorb some of the salt. Remove the potato before serving.
Conclusion
This sausage and tortellini soup is a true crowd-pleaser, combining bold flavors and satisfying textures in one pot. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or freezing it for a rainy day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Grab your ladle and enjoy the coziest bowl of soup ever!
Print
Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day! It features savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Quick to make and full of cozy flavors, this soup is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if necessary. If the sausage doesn’t release enough fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (typically 5–7 minutes for fresh tortellini, longer for frozen).
- Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half in step 5 after adding the tortellini.
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg