Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is a one-pot meal that brings together robust spices, vegetables like spinach or kale, and a creamy or tomato-based base, depending on your preference.
Quick to prepare and satisfying to eat, it’s ideal for family dinners or easy weeknight meals. Whether you’re looking for something cozy or crowd-pleasing, Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers warmth and bold flavor in every spoonful, making it a go-to favorite for soup lovers of all kinds.
SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP
Description
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavor. This creamy soup combines Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, spinach, and diced tomatoes in a savory, seasoned broth.
It’s rich, filling, and perfect for chilly days or a quick weeknight dinner. The sausage adds a spicy, meaty depth, while the tortellini offers soft, cheesy bites in every spoonful.
With a touch of garlic, herbs, and cream, this soup delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make in one pot, it’s a favorite for families and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
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Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the herbs to become fragrant—this adds depth to the broth.
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Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
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Add the tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions (usually about 3–5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini), or until they are tender and floating.
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Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to create a rich, creamy base. Add the chopped spinach or kale and stir until wilted—about 2–3 minutes.
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Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 25g50%
- Calcium 100 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sausage Tortellini Soup: Tips & Serving Tricks for Maximum Flavor and Comfort
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with rich flavors from Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy or tomato-based broth. Whether you're serving this for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, here are expert tips and tricks to elevate your soup and serve it like a pro.
Tips for the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup
1. Choose the Right Sausage
- Hot or mild Italian sausage are the top choices, but feel free to use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Remove sausage casings before cooking to create crumbles that distribute evenly through the soup.
- Sauté until deeply browned for extra flavor. The fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot adds depth to the broth.
2. Boost Flavor with Aromatics
- Always start with onion, garlic, and carrots. These create the aromatic base for your soup.
- Add celery, fennel, or red pepper flakes for complexity.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or broth after browning sausage and aromatics—this lifts the flavor-rich bits stuck to the bottom.
3. Choose the Right Tortellini
- Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for texture and cook quickly in the soup (typically 5–7 minutes).
- Cheese-filled tortellini are classic, but spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled versions can add variety.
4. Perfect the Broth
- You can go for a tomato-based (crushed tomatoes + broth) or creamy version (add heavy cream, half-and-half, or cream cheese).
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
- Season gradually and taste frequently. Add salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
- Add tortellini toward the end of cooking—only when you’re about 10 minutes from serving.
- If storing for later, cook tortellini separately and add when reheating to avoid sogginess.
Serving Tricks & Presentation Ideas
1. Garnish Generously
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano add color and freshness.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano enhances richness.
- A light drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of pesto can add a gourmet touch.
2. Bread Pairings
- Serve with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese dippers.
- For a healthier option, try whole grain bread brushed with olive oil and herbs.
3. Serve in Warm Bowls
- Warming bowls before ladling in the soup helps keep it hot longer—especially useful for creamy versions that can cool quickly.
4. Make it a Meal
- Pair with a light salad (like arugula with lemon vinaigrette) to balance the richness.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or bruschetta.
5. Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the consistency.
- Freeze the base without the tortellini, then add fresh tortellini when ready to serve.
Bonus Tip: Make It Your Own
Customize your soup with add-ins:
- Spinach or kale for extra greens.
- White beans for added protein and texture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for umami depth.
Tips for Success
- Sausage options: Use spicy Italian sausage for heat or sweet sausage for a milder flavor. Chicken sausage also works well for a lighter option.
- Tortellini type: Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can also use spinach-ricotta or meat-filled tortellini.
- Creamy texture: For a lighter version, use milk or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. You can also skip the cream altogether for a broth-based soup.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the veggie content.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the liquid, so you can add extra broth when reheating.
Variations
- Tomato-Based Version: Use tomato sauce or tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor and skip the cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortellini and add cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles instead.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup delivers every time. With its simple ingredients and rich, creamy broth, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage works best for this soup?
Italian sausage is the most popular choice—either sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage. For extra depth of flavor, browning the sausage well before adding it to the soup is key. If you prefer a lighter version, opt for lean turkey sausage.
Can I use fresh or frozen tortellini?
Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work great in this soup. Fresh tortellini cooks a bit faster (usually 3–5 minutes), while frozen tortellini may take a few extra minutes. Be sure to add the tortellini towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, but it's best to cook the soup without the tortellini if making it ahead. Add the tortellini when reheating to keep them from getting too soft. The broth and sausage flavors improve with time, so prepping a day in advance can enhance the overall taste.
What vegetables can I add to make it more nutritious?
Spinach is a classic addition, but you can also stir in kale, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Add hearty vegetables early in the cooking process and delicate greens like spinach or kale just before serving to preserve their color and texture.
