Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

The Heartiest Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort finds its perfect match in this hearty sausage and tortellini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Italian flavors dance through each spoonful, promising rich and satisfying comfort.

Robust sausage mingles with tender cheese tortellini, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Herbs and vegetables add depth to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Pantry staples come together quickly, making this soup a weeknight wonder.

Nutritious and filling, it delivers a complete meal in a single pot.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into bowls and savor every incredible bite.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Ingredients

Protein:
  • Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein base for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that adds depth and savory background to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates robust flavor profile.
  • Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and color to the final dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy moisture and slight acidic undertone.
Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.
  • Basil, Oregano: Dried herbs that contribute authentic Italian seasoning.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that adds gentle heat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness and umami flavor.

Sausage and Tortellini Soup Cozy Cooking Guide

Step 1: Brown the Savory Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble the sausage into the pot, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.

Let the meat sizzle and turn golden brown.

If the sausage looks dry, drizzle a touch of olive oil to help it cook evenly.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetable Medley

Toss these colorful ingredients into the pot:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced carrots
  • Diced celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Dried basil
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let the soup bubble softly for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 4: Introduce the Tortellini

Slide the tortellini into the simmering soup.

Cook until the pasta becomes plump and tender, following the package guidance for timing.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greenery

Fold the fresh spinach into the soup.

Watch as the leaves wilt and turn a vibrant green, adding a burst of color and nutrition.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touches

Taste the soup and sprinkle in salt and pepper to your preference.

Ladle into bowls and crown with a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve steaming hot and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors.

Soup Ideas For Sausage And Tortellini Blend

  • Remove excess grease from the sausage to prevent a greasy soup and ensure a cleaner, more balanced flavor profile.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add tortellini near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
  • Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient-packed green alternative that holds up well in hot soup.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the soup's spiciness, making it mild or more robust based on personal preference.

What to Do with Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as it can become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
  • Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Tortellini might become tough if overheated, so watch carefully and use low power settings.

Soup Add-Ons for Sausage Tortellini

  • Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and toast until golden brown. The bread's crispy texture and rich flavor complement the soup's hearty ingredients perfectly.
  • Recommend Italian Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to match the soup's robust sausage and tomato base. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. The salad's bright, crisp notes provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
  • Select Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a high-quality olive oil infused with basil or rosemary over the soup just before serving. This adds an extra layer of aromatic complexity and elevates the dish's flavor profile.

Sausage and Tortellini Soup Flavor Mixes

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, seasoned with Italian herbs for protein-rich alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or spiralized turnips, maintaining soup's hearty texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add cannellini beans, increase herbs like rosemary and thyme, and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s a balanced meal with protein from sausage, vegetables for nutrients, and tortellini for carbohydrates. The spinach adds extra vitamins and minerals.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or turkey sausage work great. Choose your favorite flavor profile or what’s available.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra beans like cannellini for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the tortellini?

No, you can add uncooked tortellini directly into the soup. Just follow package instructions for cooking time to ensure they’re perfectly tender.

Sausage Tortellini Soup That’s Both Hearty and Easy

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this hearty soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from sausage, veggies like spinach and carrots, and comforting tortellini, this soup delivers a balanced and satisfying one-pot meal.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single pot means less washing up, making this recipe a stress-free solution for home cooks looking to minimize kitchen mess.
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Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage and tortellini soup brings robust Italian flavors to your winter table with rich, comforting ingredients. Creamy cheese-filled pasta nestled among tender sausage chunks creates a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Liquids, Seasonings, and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly brown sausage in a large pot, crumbling the meat and rendering any excess fat. Drizzle olive oil if the meat lacks natural rendering.
  2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and finely chopped celery into the pot. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and sprinkle dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Elevate heat to create a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  4. Carefully fold tortellini into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook until they float and become plump. Fresh tortellini will require approximately 5-7 minutes, while frozen variety might need slightly longer.
  5. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, gently stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s texture. The leaves should transform from vibrant green to a softer, darker shade.
  6. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference. Ladle the aromatic soup into serving bowls and crown with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Swap sausage for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of the soup that’s perfect for those watching fat intake.
  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meal prep, ensuring the tortellini doesn’t become mushy by adding fresh spinach when reheating.
  • Use gluten-free tortellini and check sausage ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance flavor depth by deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine after cooking sausage, which adds complexity and richness to the overall soup profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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