Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, for garnish

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy bowl of comfort. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with robust flavors from Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of vegetables swimming in a tomato-based broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a chilly weekend dinner, it brings all the satisfaction of a slow-cooked soup in just a fraction of the time.

What makes this soup a standout is the combination of savory sausage and creamy tortellini—a duo that creates a mouthwatering balance of spice and softness. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite for busy nights and casual get-togethers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup, having the right tools will not only streamline your process but ensure every step is efficient:

Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Crucial for sautéing sausage and building layers of flavor directly in the same vessel. Its even heat distribution prevents burning.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Helps break up sausage as it cooks and gently stirs the soup without damaging the pasta.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For dicing onions, mincing garlic, or chopping fresh herbs, precision matters.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure the perfect balance of seasonings and liquids for consistent results.
Ladle: Makes serving hot soup into bowls clean and effortless.

Using quality equipment takes the guesswork out of soup-making and allows you to focus on building delicious flavor from the first step.

Ingredients for the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Each ingredient in this Sausage Tortellini Soup plays a vital role in building its bold, comforting flavor profile:

Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): This is the backbone of the soup, adding deep, savory richness and a touch of spice.
Cheese Tortellini: The pillowy texture and creamy cheese filling turn this from a basic soup into a full meal.

Yellow Onion: Provides an aromatic base and subtle sweetness that balances the acidic tomatoes.
Garlic Cloves: Enhances the broth with a bold and earthy kick.
Diced Tomatoes (canned): Offer body and tang to the broth while contributing to the soup’s rustic heartiness.

Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, carrying all the ingredients together in harmony.
Italian Seasoning: Adds depth with a blend of herbs that amplify the sausage and tomato flavors.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh Spinach or Kale (optional): Adds a burst of color and nutrients, making it feel wholesome.
Parmesan Cheese (for garnish): Offers a salty, umami-rich finish on top.

How To Make the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Stir in tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes. Mix well to deglaze the pot and pull up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt in the hot broth. Ladle soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Best Way to Serve and Store This Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup is best served piping hot, straight from the pot into generously filled bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a touch of freshly cracked pepper for that extra finish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete a satisfying meal.

If you’re planning on leftovers, store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The tortellini may continue to absorb the broth, so if you prefer a soupier consistency, consider storing the tortellini separately or adding a splash of broth when reheating. This soup also freezes well—just leave out the tortellini and add it fresh when you reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re tender.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is the most flavorful choice. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the broth and sausage base ahead and add the tortellini just before serving to keep them from getting mushy.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?

Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms are all great additions. Stir them in with the onions to soften and blend with the broth.

How do I reheat leftovers without overcooking the tortellini?

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add extra broth if needed and avoid boiling once the tortellini are in to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Want More Soup Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If this Sausage Tortellini Soup warmed your heart, you’ll love exploring more cozy and satisfying recipes like these:

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for a rich and cheesy twist.
Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup for Chilly Nights that’s both creamy and filling.

Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a meat-free but flavor-packed alternative.
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo when you’re in the mood for southern comfort.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a decadent pasta-soup fusion.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And when you try this soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you make it spicy or mild? Add any vegetables or change up the pasta?

Leave a comment and share your spin—I always enjoy seeing your creations and swapping tips with fellow home cooks.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed comfort food that comes together fast. It features juicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a tomato-rich broth infused with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Perfect for chilly nights or weeknight meals, it’s a one-pot winner you’ll make again and again.

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes uncovered to let the flavors meld.

6. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3–5 minutes) or until tender.

7. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt in the hot broth.

8. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan. Serve hot.