Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth with every bite. Rich, savory Italian sausage mingles with cheese-stuffed tortellini in a flavorful tomato-based broth, while chopped spinach and herbs give it a fresh, hearty finish. It’s rustic comfort food, elevated by the bold flavors and satisfying textures that make it a family favorite any time of year.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in, meal-prepping for the week, or needing a quick and soul-satisfying dinner idea, this soup delivers every time. It comes together in under an hour and packs enough flavor to taste like it simmered all day. One pot, minimal fuss, and pure comfort—this is the kind of recipe that makes you want to gather around the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with sausage, tortellini, and veggies.
• Quick Comfort Food: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap spinach for kale, use spicy sausage, or try different tortellini flavors.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter)

Before you dive into making this cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup, gather your tools to make the cooking process seamless and stress-free:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Soup Pot: This is the star of the show. A heavy pot retains heat evenly and allows the sausage to brown beautifully, adding deep flavor to the soup base. It also gives you plenty of room for all the soup components.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Crucial for breaking up the sausage while it cooks and scraping up the flavorful bits at the bottom of the pot (hello, flavor!).
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: To dice onions, mince garlic, and chop fresh greens efficiently and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially with broth and seasonings to get the perfect flavor balance.
• Ladle: For serving up those steaming bowls of soup with equal parts broth and tortellini.
• Colander (optional): If you’re rinsing spinach or draining excess grease from the sausage, a colander comes in handy.

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Preparation Tips

• Use Bulk Sausage: Opt for ground Italian sausage without casings. It browns faster and more evenly. Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the sausage before adding broth builds incredible depth of flavor—don’t rush this part!
• Add Tortellini Last: These cook quickly and can get mushy if left simmering too long. Drop them in right before serving for perfect texture.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Both work, but if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid watering down the soup.
• Broth Boost: Add a spoonful of tomato paste or a dash of balsamic vinegar if you want an even richer, tangier base.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end if you’re craving a richer, velvety finish.

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Ingredients for This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rich and hearty soup together. Most of these are pantry and fridge staples, making this an easy and accessible weeknight dinner option.

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, depending on sausage fat)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional but highly recommended)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

This balance of protein, carbs, greens, and flavor-boosters makes the soup a complete meal in itself—and easily adaptable to what you have on hand.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it. Leave about a tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

If the sausage didn’t release much fat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent—about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

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Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

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Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

Let the soup simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and deepen. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

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Step 5: Add the Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and simmer according to package directions—usually 5–7 minutes—until they are tender and float to the top.

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Step 6: Add the Greens

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted—1–2 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained before adding.

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Step 7: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy comfort.

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Notes

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Browning the sausage properly adds rich, caramelized depth to the broth—don’t rush it.
• Customize the Greens: You can swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula if you prefer a slightly peppery flavor.
• Make It Creamy: For a richer version, stir in 1/3 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Add tortellini toward the end of cooking and watch closely—they only need a few minutes. Overcooking makes them mushy and can break them apart.
• Using Too Much Salt Early On: Sausage and broth already contain salt. Always taste after simmering before adding more.
• Skipping the Simmer Step: Rushing through the simmering process leads to a flat flavor. Give it at least 10–15 minutes to meld properly.
• Adding Spinach Too Early: Fresh spinach wilts in seconds. Add it at the very end to preserve its color and texture.
• Crowding the Pot: If your pot is small, ingredients won’t cook evenly. Use a large, wide pot to give everything room to move.

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What to Serve With Sausage Tortellini Soup?

This soup is a full-flavored meal on its own, but the right sides can make it even more satisfying. Whether you’re serving guests or just rounding out a cozy family dinner, here are some great pairings to consider.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
   Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Try cheesy garlic bread for extra indulgence.
2. Caesar Salad
   A crisp, creamy Caesar with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan balances the soup’s warmth and richness.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   An ultimate comfort combo—especially great if you make the soup a little spicier.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze provide a cool contrast to the warm soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables
   Oven-roasted zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add texture and color to your meal.
6. Crispy Baked Parmesan Chips
   Crunchy, cheesy, and fun to float or dip right into the soup.
7. Antipasto Platter
   Offer cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses as a starter or alongside the soup for a heartier spread.
8. Wine Pairing – Chianti or Pinot Grigio
   A glass of dry red like Chianti brings out the savory sausage notes, while a crisp Pinot Grigio refreshes the palate.

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Storage Instructions

Sausage Tortellini Soup stores beautifully, but there are a few tricks to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
• Freezer: If you plan to freeze it, don’t add the tortellini—they get mushy after thawing. Freeze the soup base (broth, sausage, tomatoes, spinach) in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, cook fresh tortellini separately and add them right before serving.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Nutrition may vary based on sausage type, tortellini brand, and any added garnishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes! Frozen tortellini works great—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw before adding it to the soup.

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2. What’s the best sausage to use?

Italian sausage is ideal. You can go with mild, hot, or even chicken sausage depending on your flavor preference. Bulk sausage without casings is easiest to cook with.

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3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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4. Will the tortellini get soggy if I store leftovers?

Yes, it can soften over time. If you’re planning ahead, store the cooked tortellini separately and add it to the soup just before serving.

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5. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for prepping ahead. Cook everything except the tortellini, then add them fresh when reheating to maintain texture.

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6. How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for a rich, velvety version.

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7. What’s a good low-carb substitute for tortellini?

Try zucchini noodles, cauliflower gnocchi, or just load up on more veggies and sausage to make it hearty without the pasta.

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8. Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage and how much red pepper you add. Use mild sausage and skip the chili flakes if you want a kid-friendly version.

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Conclusion

Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of those rare meals that checks all the boxes—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or prepping meals for a busy week, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. From creamy variations to freezer-friendly tricks, this recipe is your go-to for cozy food done right.

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