Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Homemade Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty sausage tortellini soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly this dish comes together in one pot.

Robust Italian sausage blends seamlessly with tender cheese-filled tortellini, creating a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Rich broth infused with herbs and vegetables adds depth to every spoonful.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Seasonal vegetables provide extra nutrition and color to this classic comfort recipe.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming soup that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with mild or spicy varieties, or even ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the soup without the cream and tortellini. Add those fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • How can I make the soup more filling?

Add extra protein like white beans or top with additional Parmesan cheese to make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

Sausage Tortellini Soup: Why It’s a Comforting Choice

  • Craft Comfort in a Bowl: This sausage tortellini soup transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, robust flavors.
  • Streamline Your Cooking: Prepare this one-pot wonder with minimal kitchen equipment, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
  • Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Packed with protein from sausage, greens from spinach, and creamy goodness, this soup delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different sausage types, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's preferences and dietary requirements.

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Provides a rich, hearty flavor and adds substantial protein to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup's overall taste and texture.
Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Tortellini: Adds a delicious cheese-filled pasta element to make the soup more filling.
  • Spinach: Introduces a fresh, nutritious green vegetable with a soft texture.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Brings a tangy and slightly acidic component to the soup.
  • Onion: Offers a savory aromatic base for the soup's foundation.
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Seasonings and Finishing Touches:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that season and balance the soup's flavors.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty garnish that complements the soup's flavors.
Cooking Basics:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautĂ©ing and providing a base for cooking the initial ingredients.

How to Prepare Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Warm up a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Crumble the sausage into the pot and cook until it turns a delicious golden brown, breaking it into smaller pieces as it sizzles.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the diced onions and cook until they become soft and see-through. Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for about a minute, releasing its mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavor-packed liquid.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Greens and Pasta

Stir in fresh spinach and soft tortellini.

Let them swim in the bubbling soup until the tortellini becomes perfectly tender, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Richness

Splash in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 2 minutes, creating a luxurious and velvety texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s hot and inviting.

Tips to Boost Sausage Tortellini Soup Flavor

  • Swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that still delivers fantastic flavor.
  • Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture and taste compared to dried varieties.
  • Remove excess fat by draining sausage on paper towels before adding to the soup, ensuring a lighter dish.
  • Add extra spinach for more nutrients or substitute kale for a different green vegetable boost.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations to Explore with Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Tortellini Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Lighter Cream Variation: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while keeping the soup creamy and satisfying.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder, and top with cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.

Side Dishes That Go with Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty soup as a complete meal with crusty garlic bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
  • Rustic Italian Feast: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
  • Weekend Comfort Bowl: Top each serving with extra fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added texture and a slight kick of heat.
  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual bread bowls for a fun presentation that makes the meal feel extra special and interactive.

Proper Storage for Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Freeze the soup without cream for optimal preservation, lasting up to 2-3 months in sealed freezer-safe containers.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even temperature distribution.
  • Reheat on stovetop by warming over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency and prevent scorching.
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Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup celebrates Italian comfort cuisine with robust flavors and rich ingredients. Warm bowls of savory goodness invite diners to savor each spoonful of this satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 package (10 ounces / 283 grams) cheese tortellini
  • 4 cups (1 liter) fresh spinach, chopped

Liquid and Broth Base:

  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, introducing crumbled sausage and cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, sautéing until they turn translucent and release their aromatic essence. Add minced garlic and allow it to bloom for 60 seconds.
  3. Stream in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, infusing the liquid with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Elevate to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
  4. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the simmering soup, then introduce tortellini. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches an al dente consistency, ensuring a tender bite.
  5. Swirl in rich, velvety heavy cream, letting it integrate into the soup for an additional 2 minutes, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, finishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory depth.

Notes

  • Swap spicy sausage for mild varieties to accommodate different heat preferences and ensure everyone enjoys the soup.
  • Choose whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini to make the dish suitable for specific dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
  • Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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