Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need a satisfying one-pot meal. This rich and flavorful soup features Italian sausage simmered in a tomato-based broth with tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of cream to bring it all together. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. This soup delivers a full meal in a single bowl, combining protein, pasta, and greens in a cozy, creamy broth.

If you enjoy bold flavors and easy comfort food, try this Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy White Wine Sauce or the zesty Roasted Chili Lime Cod for equally satisfying dinners.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  
• 4 cups chicken broth
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  
• 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach
  

Optional Garnishes:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  
• Fresh parsley or basil
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
  
• Total Time: 35 minutes
  
• Servings: 4–6
  

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Ladle
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion to the pot with the sausage and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Tomato Base and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup

Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Add Cream and Tortellini

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.

6. Stir in the Spinach

Add the baby spinach and stir just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

7. Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 520
  
• Protein: 22g
  
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  
• Fat: 36g
  
• Saturated Fat: 15g
  
• Cholesterol: 85mg
  
• Sodium: 980mg
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sugar: 5g
  

Pro Tips

• Choose your sausage wisely: Hot Italian sausage will add extra spice, while sweet or mild keeps it kid-friendly.
  
• Use refrigerated tortellini: These cook quickly and are easy to keep on hand.
  
• Add more veggies: Diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added with the onions for extra nutrition.
  
• Don’t overcook the tortellini: They cook quickly and can become mushy if left in the soup too long.
  

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add canned white beans or mushrooms for a meatless protein.
  
• Cream swap: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for the heavy cream, depending on dietary needs.
  
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to bring some heat.
  
• Try different tortellini: Use spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even sausage-filled tortellini for variation.
  

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.
  
• Freeze (with caution): Tortellini may become soft when frozen and reheated. If freezing, consider freezing the soup base without the tortellini, then adding fresh pasta when reheating.
  

Final Thoughts

Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the definition of a cozy, one-pot comfort meal. The savory sausage, tender pasta, and creamy tomato broth come together in perfect harmony, offering flavor and warmth in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something quick and nourishing for dinner, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but consider cooking and storing the tortellini separately to avoid them becoming mushy.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free tortellini and confirm that the sausage and broth are gluten-free.

For another easy and satisfying one-bowl dish with a global twist, be sure to check out this savory and slightly sweet Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry.