Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl—rich, creamy, and loaded with hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach. Imagine all the best parts of a classic Italian meal, brought together in a single pot to create a soup that’s both satisfying and sensational. This recipe blends savory flavors, a hint of spice, and just the right amount of creaminess, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. And if you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly meal that gets rave reviews every time, this Sausage Tortellini Soup absolutely delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is its approachable ingredient list. Each element adds its own magic—bringing texture, color, or a burst of flavor to every spoonful—so don’t be tempted to skip a thing.
- Italian sausage: Packs in robust flavor and can be mild or spicy to suit your preference.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté veggies and gives a silky richness if your sausage is lean.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- Garlic: A must for aromatics, it enhances every Italian-inspired bite.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the broth with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for a gentle, tantalizing warmth.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Brings acidity, color, and sweet-tart flavor.
- Chicken broth: The savory backdrop that ties all the flavors together.
- Cheese tortellini: Salty, cheesy pasta pillows that make the soup irresistibly hearty.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the soup, adding lovely color and nutrients.
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with luxurious creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for perfect balance.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, savory finish that melts over the top.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
To start your Sausage Tortellini Soup, grab your favorite large soup pot or Dutch oven and get it heated over medium. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a spoon as you cook. You’ll want it nicely browned and cooked all the way through—about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess grease, carefully spoon it out, but leave a bit for flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
If your pot looks a little dry, add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion softens and starts to look translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy). Let everything cook for another minute, releasing all those incredible aromas.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now it’s time for tomatoes and broth—pour in the canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Give it all a good stir and bring it up to a gentle simmer. This foundation is where the Sausage Tortellini Soup starts to come together!
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
With your soup base bubbling, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the pot. Follow the package directions—usually about 5 to 7 minutes—and keep a close eye so they cook until just tender. This is when the soup gains its wonderfully comforting texture.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
When the tortellini is nearly done, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll see vibrant green threads winding through the soup. Next, reduce the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream. The broth transforms into a silky, creamy dream. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Your Sausage Tortellini Soup is now ready to serve piping hot! Ladle into bowls and give everyone a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese will melt right in, adding even more flavor and fun to every bite.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
For a bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup that looks as vibrant as it tastes, always garnish with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra red pepper flakes for color. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds freshness. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or even a light squeeze of lemon brightens everything up.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for dipping into the creamy broth. If you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness and adds a pop of crunch to your Sausage Tortellini Soup dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Sausage Tortellini Soup in rustic mugs for cozy gatherings, or pour it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a show-stopping presentation. For family-style dinners, serve in a large Dutch oven right on the table with plenty of grated cheese nearby so everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, so it makes an amazing lunch the next day. The tortellini will continue to soften, but the soup is still every bit as delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your soup, it’s best to freeze the base (sausage, broth, tomatoes, and spinach) before adding the tortellini and cream. Tortellini can become mushy after freezing, and cream can sometimes separate. Just add fresh tortellini and cream after reheating the base for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Sausage Tortellini Soup, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of extra broth or cream to return it to your favorite consistency. Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini will work beautifully in Sausage Tortellini Soup. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure the tortellini are cooked through before adding the spinach and cream.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based alternative and swap chicken broth for veggie broth. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful—perfect for vegetarians who want to enjoy a bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup.
How can I make the soup spicier?
For more of a kick, use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can even add a little cayenne or a dash of hot sauce before serving. Adjust to taste so your Sausage Tortellini Soup is just right for your spice-loving crowd.
What type Soup
Cheese tortellini is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Spinach-ricotta, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini all taste amazing in this soup. Pick your favorite for a twist on the traditional Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely—this recipe is flexible! Chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be sautéed along with the onions for extra color and nutrition. Just keep the balance right so the tortellini and sausage still shine as the stars of your Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-warming recipe that will win over any crowd, give this Sausage Tortellini Soup a try. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor—so don’t be surprised when you find yourself making it again and again! Grab your spoon and enjoy the kind of homemade meal everyone will remember.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup, a hearty and creamy dish perfect for a cozy night in. This Italian-American soup is loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a touch of cream for richness. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and cook until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach, cream, salt, and pepper. Serve hot with Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
- For a thicker soup, add tomato paste with the garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg