Introduction
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a cozy, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that brings together the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a comforting tomato-based broth. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, this soup is both rustic and indulgent.
It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal, this soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet delight.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s comforting, filling, and incredibly satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. The sausage adds richness and depth, while the tortellini makes it hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. I also adore the versatility—you can load it with veggies, make it creamy, or keep it light with a tomato-based broth.
What really makes me love this recipe, though, is the way it feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of soup that brings warmth and joy to the table, especially when paired with crusty bread.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- One-pot wonder—easy cleanup, big flavor.
- Hearty and filling—thanks to protein-rich sausage and cheesy tortellini.
- Crowd-pleaser—kids and adults love it.
- Flexible—can be made creamy, spicy, or veggie-loaded.
- Quick yet gourmet—ready in under an hour.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories (per serving): ~350 kcal
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Dish, Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread for serving
Quick Directions
- Brown sausage with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings; simmer.
- Stir in tortellini and cook until tender.
- Add spinach and cream (if using), then serve hot with Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Broth & Tomatoes
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Tortellini
- Stir in tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 5–7 minutes) until tender.
Step 5: Finish with Greens & Cream
- Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for a rich, creamy soup.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with garlic bread, focaccia, or crusty baguette.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook tortellini—it continues to soften in the hot broth.
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze after cooking sausage for extra depth.
- Double the batch and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.
Variations
- Creamy Version: Stir in cream or half-and-half.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and vegan tortellini.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze soup without tortellini for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Conclusion
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a cozy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that delivers comfort in every spoonful. With rich sausage, cheesy pasta, and aromatic broth, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or warming up on a chilly night. Whether you enjoy it creamy or tomato-based, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Description
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a cozy, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that brings together the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a comforting tomato-based broth. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, this soup is both rustic and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
Garnish (Optional):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Sausage : Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
-
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables : Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
-
Step 3: Add Broth & Tomatoes : Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Step 4: Add Tortellini : Stir in tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 5–7 minutes) until tender.
-
Step 5: Finish with Greens & Cream : Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a rich, creamy soup.
-
Step 6: Garnish & Serve : Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
