Picture this: a steaming bowl of creamy, flavor-packed soup, loaded with tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory sausage, and a rich tomato broth. Sounds like heaven, right? This Sausage Tortellini Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—perfect for chilly nights, lazy Sundays, or when you just need something that feels like a warm hug.
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The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So, grab your spoon and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day and having this hearty, flavor-packed soup ready in no time.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish.
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just straightforward, delicious cooking that anyone can master.
- Customizable: Love spice? Add red pepper flakes! Prefer it creamier? Stir in extra heavy cream. You can make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This soup is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients in Sausage Tortellini Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is pure comfort in every bite. Let’s break it down:
- Italian Sausage: The secret to that deep, savory flavor. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your taste.
- Cheese Tortellini: Tender, pillowy pasta pockets filled with cheese. These soak up the delicious broth beautifully.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a rich, slightly tangy depth to the broth.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, creating a flavorful and hearty foundation.
- Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistibly rich.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add layers of flavor.
- Spinach: A pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Sausage
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove excess grease if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Add the Tortellini
Drop in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. They should be tender but not mushy.
Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend into the soup.
Add the Spinach
Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. This adds a nice balance to the richness of the soup.
Taste and Adjust
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and serve warm with crusty bread.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is already packed with flavor, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better!
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, savory broth.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or roasted carrots make great sides.
- Garlic Bread: Because extra garlic is always a good idea!
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of sausage? Try ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy but dairy-free version.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors only get better as it sits. Just leave out the tortellini until you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t get too soft.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! However, I recommend freezing it without the tortellini and adding fresh pasta when reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! Ravioli or small pasta shapes like orecchiette or penne work well too.
How can I make it spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Just blend fresh tomatoes for a smooth consistency.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything except the tortellini and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then add the tortellini and cream 30 minutes before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-warming, creamy, and downright delicious meal, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is your new go-to. It’s comforting, simple to make, and packed with rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is loaded with spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and plump tortellini in a rich, pesto-infused broth. A comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for quick dinner ideas or a healthy lunch. Packed with protein and bold flavors, this soup is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, see note)
- 14.5 oz fire-roasted chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch coins
- 4 celery stalks, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups spinach leaves, chopped
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 9 oz fresh tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 1/2 cup pesto
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add sausage, breaking it into medium-sized chunks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until browned.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it cook for 2 minutes.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and chicken stock. Stir in salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Uncover and add spinach, zucchini, and tortellini. Cook uncovered for 4 minutes until tortellini is tender.
- Stir in pesto just before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- White Wine Substitute: If you prefer, you can replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth.
- Tortellini Options: Cheese or meat-filled tortellini both work well.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb broth, so add extra stock when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 45mg