Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup – A Cozy, Comforting Bowl of Flavor
When the chill of the season sets in or you’re simply craving something warm, filling, and comforting, few dishes hit the spot like a steaming bowl of Sausage and Tortellini Soup. This easy one-pot wonder brings together juicy Italian sausage, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a rich, herby tomato broth—all topped off with fresh greens and Parmesan. 🧀🌿
Not only is this soup satisfying and packed with flavor, but it also comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own and easy to customize with your favorite veggies and sausage varieties.
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Ingredients
- Here’s everything you need to create this rich savory tortellini soup:
🍖 Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
🧅 Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
🧂 Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
🧄 Broth & Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water optional, for thinning if needed
🍝 Pasta
- 10 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
🧀 Garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil optional
- Tip: Mild sausage gives a classic taste while hot sausage adds a spicy kick. Use your favorite or mix both!
Instructions
- Follow these steps to make your kitchen smell like a rustic Italian trattoria:
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 7–10 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onions to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
🍅 Step 3: Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
🍝 Step 4: Add the Tortellini
- Once the broth is simmering, add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 6–8 minutes for fresh, longer for frozen).
🌿 Step 5: Stir in Greens
- Just before tortellini are done, add spinach or kale.
- Stir until wilted and bright green (about 1–2 minutes).
🧀 Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast!
Notes
🍽️ Variations
This soup is flexible—try these tasty twists: 🐓 1. Chicken Tortellini Soup
Replace sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken sausage. 🥬 2. Vegetarian Version
Use veggie broth and swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage. 🧄 3. Creamy Tomato Twist
Add ½ cup heavy cream or 1 cup half-and-half at the end for a creamy finish. 🌽 4. Veggie Loaded
Add chopped zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. 🧀 5. Extra Cheesy
Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese before serving. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
🧺 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. ❄️ Freezing
Freeze without tortellini (they get mushy). Add fresh tortellini when reheating. Soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. 🔥 Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just increase cooking time by a few minutes. 2. Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste. 3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown sausage first, then add all ingredients (except tortellini and greens). Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add tortellini and greens in the last 30 minutes. 4. What kind of cheese is in tortellini?
Typically ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan. Use your favorite blend. 5. Can I use a different pasta?
Sure—mini ravioli or gnocchi work well too! 6. Does this soup need cream?
Not at all—it’s flavorful as-is, but a splash of cream adds richness if desired. 7. Can I use ground turkey or beef?
Yes, but Italian sausage adds the most flavor. 8. What bread pairs well?
Crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or cheesy breadsticks are perfect. 9. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Make the broth and add fresh tortellini right before eating for best texture. 10. Can I add beans?
Absolutely—white beans or cannellini add protein and texture. 🎯 Conclusion
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is your go-to for quick comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl. With savory sausage, rich tomato broth, tender tortellini, and vibrant greens, it checks all the boxes for a cozy, filling meal you’ll want to make on repeat. For more comforting classics and soup inspirations, head to RecipeService.net!
This soup is flexible—try these tasty twists: 🐓 1. Chicken Tortellini Soup
Replace sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken sausage. 🥬 2. Vegetarian Version
Use veggie broth and swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage. 🧄 3. Creamy Tomato Twist
Add ½ cup heavy cream or 1 cup half-and-half at the end for a creamy finish. 🌽 4. Veggie Loaded
Add chopped zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. 🧀 5. Extra Cheesy
Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese before serving. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
🧺 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. ❄️ Freezing
Freeze without tortellini (they get mushy). Add fresh tortellini when reheating. Soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. 🔥 Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just increase cooking time by a few minutes. 2. Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste. 3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown sausage first, then add all ingredients (except tortellini and greens). Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add tortellini and greens in the last 30 minutes. 4. What kind of cheese is in tortellini?
Typically ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan. Use your favorite blend. 5. Can I use a different pasta?
Sure—mini ravioli or gnocchi work well too! 6. Does this soup need cream?
Not at all—it’s flavorful as-is, but a splash of cream adds richness if desired. 7. Can I use ground turkey or beef?
Yes, but Italian sausage adds the most flavor. 8. What bread pairs well?
Crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or cheesy breadsticks are perfect. 9. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Make the broth and add fresh tortellini right before eating for best texture. 10. Can I add beans?
Absolutely—white beans or cannellini add protein and texture. 🎯 Conclusion
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is your go-to for quick comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl. With savory sausage, rich tomato broth, tender tortellini, and vibrant greens, it checks all the boxes for a cozy, filling meal you’ll want to make on repeat. For more comforting classics and soup inspirations, head to RecipeService.net!