There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup to chase away a chilly evening or gather everyone around the table. Brimming with tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato broth that’s loaded with vegetables, this soup checks every box for a cozy, hearty meal. Even better, it comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave comforting flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. Let’s dive into this irresistible Sausage Tortellini Soup!

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Sausage Tortellini Soup is in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients, each bringing something special to the final dish. These staples transform into a vibrant, deeply flavored dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Italian sausage: Bold and aromatic, use mild or spicy depending on your taste for an extra layer of savory depth.
Olive oil (if needed): Just a little, for sautéing if your sausage doesn’t render enough fat.
Onion: Diced onion gives a sweet, aromatic base to match the richness of the sausage.
Carrots: These thin slices add subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Sliced celery supports the classic soup foundation with earthy flavor and crunch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for peppery warmth that permeates every spoonful.
Dried basil: Offers herby, floral notes that pair beautifully with tomato and sausage.
Dried oregano: Adds that unmistakable Italian touch and brings out savory tomato flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring the heat if you love a spicy kick!
Crushed tomatoes: A can of these makes a vibrant, tangy broth for your tortellini to swim in.
Chicken broth: Lends body and extra savory backbone to round out the soup.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These plump, cheesy pillows turn the soup into a standout meal.
Fresh spinach (or kale): Toss in a couple of handfuls for a pop of green and a nutritious touch.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Swirls in right at the end for that irresistible creamy finish.
Salt and black pepper: A little seasoning at the finish ties all the flavors together.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Spring for the real deal—this luscious garnish is the ultimate topping.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add your Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks so you get delicious little bits in every bite. Brown it well for extra flavor, and if there’s more fat than you like, drain the excess before moving on.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This trio creates the classic savory base and helps soften those veggies until they’re just starting to turn tender.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spices

Make a little well in the veggies and garlic, then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for just one minute—this wakes up their flavors and makes the kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld, and the broth becomes beautifully fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini straight into the simmering soup. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes—just until they bob to the surface and are tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Turn the heat to low, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, and let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the soup transforms into a creamy, dreamy pot of goodness.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Give the Sausage Tortellini Soup a taste, then add salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that final flourish.

How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle each bowl generously with Parmesan cheese, maybe a twist of cracked black pepper, and if you’re extra fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a handful of fresh chopped basil. These small touches make Sausage Tortellini Soup even more inviting (and Instagram-worthy).

Side Dishes

For a meal that feels complete, pair your soup with garlic bread, crusty Italian baguette, or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of that creamy broth, and the salad adds a crisp, refreshing balance to all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup in oversized mugs with a handle for an extra cozy feel, or ladle it into bread bowls for special occasions. If you’re entertaining, set out small bowls and let guests help themselves from a big pot at the center of the table—it’s homey and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, but remember—the tortellini will soften as it soaks up the broth, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. Freeze the tomato-vegetable base, then add fresh tortellini and cream when reheating. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft and the cream from separating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen things up. Avoid boiling, especially if there’s cream, to keep the texture silky. Microwaving in short bursts works, too—just stir occasionally for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! You may just need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as frozen tortellini take a bit longer to cook through. Add them right from frozen without thawing.

What’s the best sausage for Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work beautifully—choose based on your preference. Turkey or chicken sausage also taste great if you’re after a lighter version, but classic pork provides the boldest flavor.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, simply skip the cream and swap out the cheese tortellini for a dairy-free pasta or your favorite alternative. Use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast as a topping for that “cheesy” finish!

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

This soup is endlessly adaptable—try adding red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or swap in kale or Swiss chard for the spinach. Just keep the total veggie volume similar so the balance of flavors stays just right.

Will the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, the tortellini will absorb some of the broth the longer it sits, so your Sausage Tortellini Soup may thicken up over time. Add a splash of extra chicken broth when reheating to bring back the original consistency.

Final Thoughts

Ready for dinner-worthy coziness in under an hour? Sausage Tortellini Soup is the answer to those comfort food cravings you just can’t ignore. Warm, satisfying, and oh-so-easy, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen—so grab a pot and start simmering your soon-to-be favorite soup!