There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup on a chilly evening. The savory aroma of Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs simmering together is enough to bring everyone to the table with eager anticipation. This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor, comfort, and wholesome ingredients that'll warm you from the inside out.
The first time I made this soup, I was searching for a quick yet satisfying meal to serve after a day of errands. One spoonful was all it took for my family to insist this recipe earn a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Let me walk you through why you'll love it as much as we do.
Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
Get ready to meet your new favorite soup recipe! Sausage Tortellini Soup is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: it's quick, hearty, and incredibly easy to make.
First, this recipe is a time-saver. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, so there's no need for an extensive shopping list.
Second, it’s a comfort food classic. The creamy broth, tender tortellini, and juicy sausage combine to create a flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy dinner.
Finally, it's family-friendly. Even picky eaters love the cheesy tortellini and savory sausage. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or different types of sausage.
Whether you're serving this soup as a main dish or a starter, it’s bound to be a hit. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make it so special.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Every component works together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage: Opt for mild or spicy depending on your preference. The sausage adds a flavorful, savory base to the soup that’s hard to resist.
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is the star of the show here. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best for this recipe, but frozen tortellini can also be used (just adjust the cooking time).
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth forms the foundation of the soup, lending depth and richness. Low-sodium broth is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Crushed Tomatoes: These provide a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sausage and tortellini.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash transforms the soup into a creamy delight. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color, nutrients, and a pop of freshness to the dish. You can substitute kale if you prefer a heartier green.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics lay the flavor foundation, giving the soup a robust and savory taste.
You’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. With your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started!
How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making Sausage Tortellini Soup is a breeze, and it all comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how:
- Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving a small amount of grease behind for added flavor. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates the base for a deeply flavorful soup. - Build the Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits (that’s where the flavor lives!). - Simmer the Tortellini
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tortellini. Simmer according to the package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender. - Add the Final Touches
Lower the heat and stir in the reserved sausage, followed by the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting!
Storage Options
Sausage Tortellini Soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day!
- Freeze: To freeze, omit the tortellini (it can become mushy when reheated). Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight, reheat, and add freshly cooked tortellini.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Sausage Tortellini Soup is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for more heartiness.
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Different Greens: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a twist on texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the heavy cream and use coconut milk or a plant-based creamer for a dairy-free alternative.
- Alternative Tortellini: Try spinach and cheese tortellini or even mushroom-filled tortellini for a unique flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is as comforting as the original!
Warm, inviting, and oh-so-easy, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is a recipe you'll return to again and again. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or curling up with a bowl on a quiet evening, it's sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
This delicious sausage tortellini soup recipe combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach. Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Substitute sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use kale instead of spinach if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
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