The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Hearty & Flavorful Comfort

Comfort winds through my kitchen whenever sausage tortellini soup bubbles on the stovetop, releasing aromas that instantly spark conversation.

Memories of chilly evenings drift back, reminding me how one pot can warm everything.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pasta pillows nestle among savory chunks of meat, promising rich flavors in every spoonful.

Robust and satisfying, this soup becomes more than just dinner, it’s a culinary hug.

Simmering with simplicity, each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the soup without the tortellini and spinach. Add those fresh when reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean sausage, low-fat cream, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to boost nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat tortellini for more fiber.

  • What if I want to make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra beans like cannellini or white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup: Why It’s Hard To Resist

  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Whip up this hearty sausage tortellini soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese tortellini and savory sausage, this soup offers a delicious meal that pleases both adults and children with its rich, satisfying taste.
  • Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple ingredients make this recipe a go-to for home cooks seeking a convenient, stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the soup by swapping spinach for kale, using different sausage varieties, or adding extra vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Best Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Italian Sausage: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein punch; mild or spicy options available; choose fresh for best taste.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Create deep foundational flavor; fresh ingredients add robust base to the soup; finely chop for even distribution.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates soup's fundamental liquid base; low-sodium recommended for better salt control.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy brightness and slight acidity; canned version convenient and consistent.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, creamy texture; full-fat version recommended for richness.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb blend that enhances overall soup flavor; dried herbs concentrate more intense taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other ingredients; adjust to personal preference.
Pasta and Greens:
  • Cheese Tortellini: Adds hearty, filling element; refrigerated version provides best texture.
  • Fresh Spinach: Introduces nutritional value and vibrant green color; baby spinach recommended for tenderness.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Cooking Steps

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Grab a large pot and place it over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage into the pot, breaking it down into small pieces as it cooks.

Let the meat sizzle and turn golden brown.

If you notice excess grease pooling, carefully drain some off to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Stir these around the pot, letting them dance and soften.

Watch for that magical moment when the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance that signals the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth, bringing a splash of liquid excitement to your pot.

Add the diced tomatoes to give the soup a rich, tangy dimension.

Sprinkle in the basil and oregano, letting these herbs infuse the liquid with their vibrant flavors.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling boil.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Richness

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream.

Stir gently, watching the soup transform into a luxurious, silky blend.

The cream will soften the edges of the broth and create a velvety texture.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Drop the tortellini into the simmering soup.

Let them cook for 7-8 minutes, or until they become tender and plump.

The pasta will absorb the surrounding flavors, becoming little pockets of deliciousness.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and becomes a vibrant green.

This is your moment to balance the flavors – sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, creating a perfect harmony of seasonings.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Pair with a crusty slice of bread or a crisp side salad.

Get ready to dive into a comforting, flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out.

Tortellini Soup Tips for Perfect Sausage-to-Pasta Ratio

  • Opt for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of the soup without sacrificing flavor.
  • Swap traditional cheese tortellini with whole wheat, spinach-filled, or gluten-free varieties to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or kale to increase fiber and create a more robust soup.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or milk to manage richness and calories according to personal taste.
  • Make the soup in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and ensuring a convenient, ready-to-eat meal.

Store Sausage Tortellini Soup Fresh For Later

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Perfect Pairings for Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory sausage and cuts through the creamy soup base.
  • Match with Garlic Parmesan Bread: Slice a crusty baguette, spread with garlic butter, sprinkle generously with parmesan, and toast until golden for a perfect crispy accompaniment that soaks up the soup's delicious broth.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's heartiness and add a bright, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish.
  • Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top of the soup just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Sausage Tortellini Soup in a Creamy Comforting Style

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra herbs like thyme for depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Choose dairy-free tortellini or use plain cheese tortellini without cream for a lighter soup.
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The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens with rich, robust flavors dancing through each spoonful. Warm cheese-filled pasta and savory sausage create a delightful meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 package (10 oz/283 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/411 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and render the sausage into fine, uniform fragments, ensuring thorough caramelization and eliminating surplus fat.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing aromatic essences.
  3. Pour in savory chicken broth, incorporate diced tomatoes, and sprinkle dried basil and oregano, gradually elevating the liquid to a gentle simmer.
  4. Reduce thermal intensity and integrate rich, velvety heavy cream, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious base.
  5. Gently immerse cheese-filled tortellini into the liquid, allowing them to cook until achieving plump, tender consistency, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  6. Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, stirring until they collapse and intertwine with the existing ingredients, creating vibrant color and nutritional depth.
  7. Delicately calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, accompanied by rustic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete, comforting meal experience.

Notes

  • Reduce fat content by using lean turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives for a lighter version of the soup.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots during the sautéing stage for more depth and vitamins.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by substituting regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or vegetable-filled tortellini from specialty stores.
  • Create a dairy-free option by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a similar creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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