Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting bowl full of warm, hearty flavors. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a simple tomato-based broth that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. There’s a lovely mix of textures too, with the soft pasta and the crumbly sausage making every spoonful satisfying.
I always love making this soup when I want something easy but special. The sausage adds just the right amount of spice and richness, and the tortellini cooks quickly, which makes it a great go-to for busy weeknights. I like to brown the sausage well before adding the broth because it really brings out all those lovely flavors. Plus, stirring in a handful of fresh herbs at the end gives it a nice, fresh kick.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this soup is with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that I’ve found it’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whenever I make it, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and everyone always asks for seconds. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels like a real treat without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor and a bit of spice. For a lighter version, try turkey sausage or plant-based sausage. If you like a milder taste, go for sweet sausage instead of spicy.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is classic here. You can swap it for spinach tortellini or even small ravioli if that’s what you have. Fresh tortellini cooks quick, so it’s best to add it near the end.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works well because it wilts quickly and adds color and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach can be used—just drain well before adding.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt. Vegetable broth works well for a veggie-friendly twist. Adding diced tomatoes is optional but gives the soup a nice depth.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives a creamy, salty finish. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For dairy-free options, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy note.
How Do I Get the Sausage Flavor Perfect in This Soup?
Browning the sausage is key to unlocking flavor. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat before adding sausage.
- Break sausage into small pieces and spread evenly in the pan.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a couple minutes—it helps develop a nice brown crust.
- Stir occasionally, browning the sausage evenly. This adds rich flavor to the whole soup.
- Drain extra fat if there’s too much, but leave some for taste.
Taking your time browning meat adds depth and richness that you can’t get from just boiling. It makes the soup feel homemade and full of character!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning sausage and simmering the soup all in one vessel.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up sausage and stirring without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your broth, spices, and cheese portions just right.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for dicing onions, carrots, and chopping spinach cleanly and safely.
- Ladle – makes serving soup easy and neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still packs flavor.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies that soak up the broth nicely.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes for a richer, tangy taste.
- Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat beyond spicy sausage.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, for a slightly richer broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 to 12-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking. So overall, plan for about 35 minutes to have this comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Cook the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors come together and the carrots fully soften.
4. Cook the Tortellini and Finish:
Add the tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until tender. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and mixed well.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you like, and serve warm with some crusty bread on the side for dipping if you wish.
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Soup?
Yes! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup, but you may need to cook it a couple of minutes longer than fresh. Keep an eye on the texture so it doesn’t get mushy.
How Do I Store Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. The tortellini might absorb some broth over time, so add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sauté a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully meat-free version.
Is It Possible to Freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup?
While you can freeze it, tortellini pasta may become a bit soft after thawing. To maintain the best texture, freeze the soup without the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating.