If you love cozy, comforting meals that come together with a handful of simple ingredients and deliver big on flavor, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with pillowy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth spiced just right to warm you from the inside out. It’s a hearty, satisfying bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is perfect for any night when you crave something both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each add their own special touch — from savory sausage giving depth to the broth, to fresh spinach adding a bright pop of color and nutrition. The tortellini brings the dreamiest, cheesy texture, making this soup truly unforgettable.
- Italian sausage: Use a good-quality sausage for the best flavor and a nice, hearty texture.
- Small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a savory base to the soup.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with a wonderful aromatic depth.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor as the cooking liquid.
- Dried basil: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Brings earthy, slightly peppery warmth to the mix.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the richness.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta component, tender and cheesy, soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a boost of green goodness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This step develops the deep, savory foundation that defines the flavor of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its unmistakable aroma. These aromatics layer flavor and bring warmth to the broth.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine and bring the soup to a boil. The herbs infuse the broth with a comforting Italian flair.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sausage to impart its richness into the broth.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically just a few minutes until tender. The tortellini absorb the broth’s flavor, lending every bite a cheesy, satisfying taste.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Stir fresh spinach into the soup and cook just until it wilts. This adds a fresh, vibrant layer to the soup and a boost of nutrition, balancing the rich sausage and creaminess perfectly.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to blend everything smoothly. Let the soup simmer a few more minutes so the cream warms through, transforming the broth into a silky, luscious finish.
Step 8: Taste and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it piping hot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl that’s as comforting as a homemade hug — truly one of the best ways to enjoy this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves on top makes a fantastic garnish, adding brightness and an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper can also enhance the experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette is a refreshing companion that won’t compete with the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or deep soup mugs. Layer fresh herbs on top right before serving for a colorful, inviting look that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the spinach from becoming too wilted.
Freezing
This soup freezes best without the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy after thawing. Freeze the sausage, broth, and spinach mixture separately, then add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking down the tortellini. If the soup has thickened, stir in a splash of broth or cream to restore its perfect silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this soup. It will slightly change the flavor profile, making it a bit milder but still tasty.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid adding extra water to the soup, which could make it less rich.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms to keep that savory depth without the meat.
How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?
Cook the tortellini separately and add it just before serving, or add it late in the cooking process following package instructions to keep it tender but firm.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the cream and tortellini. Add those towards the end to maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is such a delightful dish that balances hearty, creamy, and fresh flavors in one cozy bowl. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to impress friends and family, this soup has you covered. Give it a try and let it become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods—it’s truly as wonderful as it sounds!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Savor a hearty and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup, featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth enriched with herbs and a touch of cream. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon for even cooking and texture.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned sausage, sautéing until softened and fragrant, building the soup’s flavor base.
- Add broth and seasonings: Stir in chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a rich, aromatic soup base.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Cook the tortellini: Add cheese tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until tender.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, adding freshness and color to the soup.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to enrich the soup and add creaminess.
- Final simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the cream and flavors thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup may be less creamy.
- You can use turkey sausage as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage.
- Fresh tortellini can be substituted for refrigerated if preferred.
- To add more veggies, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with onion and garlic.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
