This warm and comforting sausage tortellini soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with tasty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant veggies in a savory broth!
You won’t believe how quick it comes together. I love serving it with warm bread on the side—because who can resist dipping? 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The star of this soup! You can opt for mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too.
Onion and Garlic: These bring depth to the flavor. If onions aren’t your favorite, shallots can be a nice substitute. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Chicken Broth: This adds richness to the soup. Vegetable broth can be substituted if you want a vegetarian option. You could also use homemade broth if you have it on hand!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional for a bit of heat. You can substitute with fresh chili or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Cheese Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini is quick and easy. Frozen tortellini works too; just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version if desired.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Italian Sausage for Soup?
Cooking the sausage properly ensures it adds great flavor and texture to your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove any excess fat if there’s too much, but a little fat adds flavor!
Perfectly cooked sausage adds a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Be sure not to rush; browning helps build that savory base!
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sausage tortellini soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In just about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a warm and creamy soup ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it out carefully.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Stir and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Add the 2 cups of water, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Add the Tortellini:
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender.
5. Incorporate the Spinach:
Next, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and allow it to wilt for about 1-2 minutes. It adds color and freshness to the soup!
6. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your sausage tortellini soup is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or basil for that extra touch. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s uncooked ground sausage so it can brown properly in the pot.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat on the stove over low heat!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers along with the sausage for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all veggies are tender.
