If you’re craving a soup that wraps comfort and heartiness into every spoonful, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It boasts tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a savory broth enriched with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and just the right balance of herbs and spices. This recipe brings together layers of flavor and texture, making each bite satisfying and warm, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Once you taste it, this soup will become your go-to for that crave-worthy, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze because the ingredients for this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe are straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in building the soup’s rich flavor, hearty texture, and vibrant color.
- Italian sausage: Adds a robust, savory base that infuses the broth with meaty goodness.
- Cheese tortellini: These little pockets bring a perfect softness and cheesy delight to the soup.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Gives that subtle pungent kick that deepens the soup’s flavor profile.
- Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and bright color to the mix.
- Celery: Brings freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the richness.
- Crushed tomatoes: Offer a tangy depth and beautiful red hue.
- Chicken broth: Creates a light, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that amplifies the classic Italian spirit of the soup.
- Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in just enough to add a gentle, warm heat.
- Spinach: Fresh leaves to add vibrant greens and a boost of nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that provides salty, nutty notes.
- Olive oil: The perfect fat to sauté vegetables and sausage, enhancing every flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients into harmony.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned and fragrant. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, then add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Toss in minced garlic last, cooking just until you can smell its inviting aroma.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Return the browned sausage to the pot, then stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. This is where the flavors start to marry beautifully. Bring everything to a simmer, letting the soup bubble gently for about 15 minutes so all those tastes meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Add Tortellini and Spinach
Once the broth is rich and flavorful, it’s time to add your cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions directly in the soup, typically only a few minutes. The spinach will wilt nicely during that time, adding its bright green color and fresh taste right before serving.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the beautiful, piping-hot soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish that makes every bite truly irresistible.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this soup to restaurant-quality. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a bright herbal contrast, or add extra Parmesan cheese for a melty, savory touch. A drizzle of good olive oil on top adds richness and shine that makes each bowl look inviting and homey.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up all the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the soup nicely, balancing its richness with refreshing crunch. For something heartier, roasted vegetables are a satisfying addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls surrounded by slices of toasted baguette topped with melted cheeses or bruschetta. For a cozy gathering, present it in mini crockpot-style bowls or mason jars to wow guests with the home-cooked vibe. Adding a small ramekin of extra red pepper flakes or grated cheese on the side lets everyone customize their bowl perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it an excellent candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that tortellini can become a bit softer after freezing, so you might want to undercook it slightly before freezing or add fresh tortellini when reheating. Frozen soup is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick or if the tortellini has absorbed too much liquid overnight.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage makes a leaner alternative but still provides great flavor to the soup. Just choose seasoned varieties to keep that classic Italian taste.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra beans and vegetables for hearty protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini are traditional and work perfectly in this soup. You can also experiment with meat or spinach-filled tortellini depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and cook the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add tortellini in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain the perfect texture.
How spicy is the soup?
The recipe includes a gentle hint of heat from red pepper flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. You can reduce or omit the flakes for a milder soup or add more if you like a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe that you just can’t beat. It combines bold flavors, wonderful textures, and nourishing ingredients all in one pot, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to some well-deserved comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Don’t wait to whip up a batch and enjoy the delicious warmth it brings!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a flavorful tomato broth enriched with garlic, herbs, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Pasta and Herbs
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables and aromatics: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend and vegetables to tenderize.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Feel free to add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini as they can become mushy; cook just until tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
