There’s something about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that just makes everything feel right. This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a game-changer, trust me! It’s the perfect balance of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a flavorful broth that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here!). Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this soup does it all. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about the comforting moments it creates. Whether you’re cooking for your family, having friends over, or treating yourself to something delicious, this soup has got you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level or add extra veggies to make it your own. It’s as flexible as you need it to be.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, you get a comforting, filling dish that won’t break the bank. Perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget!
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, so you can have a homemade soup in no time. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this one’s fast!
Customizable: Feel free to throw in extra veggies or herbs to suit your tastes. Want to make it a little creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half!
Crowd-Pleasing: This soup is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s got all the flavors you crave, and it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. One bowl and they’ll be hooked!
Ingredients in Sausage Tortellini Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup: It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Sausage: The heart of the dish! Use Italian sausage for that perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavor. You can go for mild or hot, depending on how much kick you want.
Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are filled with cheesy goodness, and they add the perfect texture to the soup. You can use cheese or meat-filled tortellini, depending on your preference.
Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is the base of the soup. Chicken or vegetable broth works best to complement the sausage and tortellini.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost to the soup. It wilts down perfectly into the broth, making each spoonful even more satisfying.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! It adds a lovely depth of flavor to the soup.
Onion: Sweet, caramelized onions create a savory foundation for the soup. They bring so much flavor to every bite.
Crushed Tomatoes: These give the soup a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sausage and spinach.
Seasonings: A combination of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with salt and pepper, makes this soup sing with flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm to cook the sausage perfectly.
Cook the Sausage: Add your sausage to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Let it brown until it’s fully cooked and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. The sausage will release its delicious fat, which will infuse the soup with flavor.
Sauté the Veggies: Add the onions and garlic to the pot, cooking them until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. The garlic will start to perfume the air, and the onions will turn golden brown—this is when the magic happens!
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any tasty bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. This gives the soup even more flavor!
Bring to a Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Add the Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in the tortellini and spinach, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted into the broth.
Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste, and feel free to adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra herbs to suit your taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy a cozy, soul-warming meal that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a simple side salad. The soup is hearty enough on its own but having some warm bread to dip into the broth makes it even better. For a little extra indulgence, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you like a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Want to add more veggies? Try adding carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mix.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so make a big batch for leftovers!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes! Just add it directly to the soup and simmer a few extra minutes until tender.
2. Can I substitute the sausage for ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well—just season it to enhance the flavor.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free tortellini and double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup but wait to add the tortellini until you’re ready to serve, so it doesn’t get mushy.
5. Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes! Kale is a great substitute—just let it simmer a bit longer to soften.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
7. Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes! White beans like cannellini or great northern beans make a great addition.
8. What can I use as a topping?
Try grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
9. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but without the tortellini—it can get mushy. Freeze the base and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
10. How do I make the soup spicier?
Use spicy sausage, add red pepper flakes, or stir in a bit of hot sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich, savory flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is the perfect way to warm up and indulge. Happy cooking!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30-minute meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Made with Italian sausage, kale (or spinach), and cheese tortellini simmered in a rich broth with a splash of cream, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or 2-3 cups spinach as an alternative)
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz.; use refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare Sausage and Vegetables:
- Remove casings (if using links). In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage with the diced onion until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through (8–10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
-
Create the Base:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Mix in the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the kale (or spinach) and tortellini; cook for 3–5 minutes (if using tortellini that require a longer cooking time, add them first and then the greens during the last 5 minutes).
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
-
Finish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes on top.
Notes
Pro Tips:
For extra flavor, add the rind from a block of Parmesan or Romano cheese with the broth and remove it before serving.
If kale isn’t available, 2–3 cups of spinach work perfectly; stir it in after the tortellini has cooked and let it wilt.
This recipe is featured in The Cozy Cookbook on page 51.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3+ months. Note: the tortellini may continue to absorb broth, so consider cooking the tortellini separately when reheating leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 314 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 836 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg