The Coziest Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Crafting a hearty sausage tortellini soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Aromas of herbs and rich broth will instantly warm your soul.

Tender tortellini nestled among savory sausage chunks create a meal that speaks directly to hunger.

Italian-inspired flavors dance through each spoonful, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Robust ingredients combine effortlessly, making preparation a breeze for even novice cooks.

Hungry for a bowl of pure happiness?

Dive in and savor every delectable moment.

Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Is the Coziest Bowl Ever

  • Elevate Family Comfort: A hearty soup that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, satisfying flavors and wholesome ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepares in under an hour, making it a perfect solution for busy households craving a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrition-Packed Performance: Loaded with protein from sausage and chicken, vegetables for essential nutrients, and comforting tortellini, delivering a balanced one-pot meal that nourishes and delights.

Ingredients That Make Tortellini Soup Irresistible

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken: Provides additional protein and makes the soup more substantial.
Soup Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Garlic: Create a aromatic and nutritious flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh green element and boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
Liquid and Pasta Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Form the primary liquid base for the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the soup.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Serves as the main pasta element, adding heartiness and cheesy goodness.
Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Dried Basil, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and savory finishing touch to the dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth cooking base.

How to Simmer Up Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble and cook italian sausage until completely browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

Pour into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Diced tomatoes

Stir everything together, scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Add Protein

If using chicken, add diced chicken to the simmering liquid and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Season The Soup

Sprinkle in:
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the soup.

Step 6: Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Allow the soup to simmer for 10-12 minutes, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Step 7: Cook Tortellini

Carefully add cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until pasta is tender and fully cooked.

Step 8: Wilt Fresh Greens

Stir in fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve And Garnish

Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Tips to Elevate Your Sausage Soup Game

  • Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra grease from browned sausage by blotting with paper towels to keep soup lighter and less oily.
  • Control Tortellini Texture: Add tortellini near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect pasta consistency.
  • Boost Veggie Power: Swap spinach with kale or swiss chard for added nutrition and different flavor profiles.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Replace sausage and chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or lentils for a meat-free version.
  • Enhance Soup Depth: Let soup simmer longer to develop richer, more complex flavors and allow seasonings to fully meld together.

Flavor Ideas for Sausage Tortellini Soup Lovers

  • Spicy Kick Variation: Replace italian sausage with spicy chorizo and add red pepper flakes for an extra heat boost that transforms the soup's flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add kalamata olives, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy notes.
  • Creamy Mushroom Blend: Include sliced cremini mushrooms during vegetable sautéing and stir in heavy cream at the end for a richer, more luxurious soup texture.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced firm tofu, and use vegetable broth to create a hearty meatless alternative.

Delicious Pairings for Tortellini Soup Nights

  • Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty sausage and rich tomato base of the soup.
  • Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect dipping companion with warm, crispy Italian bread brushed with garlic butter to soak up the delicious broth.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Enhance with Herbed Focaccia: Bake a soft, herb-infused focaccia bread that echoes the soup's Italian seasonings and provides a delightful textural complement.

Storing Sausage Tortellini Soup Made Simple

  • Store leftover sausage tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain best flavor.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup seems too thick, helping restore its original consistency.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a pot on the stovetop.

Tortellini Soup FAQs to Warm You Up

  • Can I use a different type of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with meat-filled or spinach tortellini based on your preference.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well, but for best texture, add fresh tortellini and spinach after thawing and reheating.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works as a substitute – just drain excess water before adding to the soup.

Print
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-46 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup brings Italian comfort to your kitchen, blending robust flavors and creamy textures. Warm bowls of this satisfying meal promise delicious comfort with each spoonful, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb italian sausage
  • 1 cup diced chicken (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups cheese tortellini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown the italian sausage until fully cooked and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. If using chicken, add diced chicken to the simmering liquid and mix well.
  5. Sprinkle dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the soup, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-12 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  7. Carefully add cheese tortellini to the pot, cooking for 7-9 minutes or until pasta is tender and fully cooked.
  8. Stir in fresh chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and ladle soup into serving bowls.
  10. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
  • Customize heat levels by selecting spicy or mild sausage, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and spice tolerances.
  • Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time during meal preparation.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-36 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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