Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl filled with tender cheese-filled tortellini, flavorful sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a rich broth. It’s the perfect…
Tip: save now, cook later.Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl filled with tender cheese-filled tortellini, flavorful sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a rich broth. It’s the perfect mix of soft pasta and savory meat, all brought together with a touch of herbs and spices for a cozy meal that warms you right up.
I love making this soup on chilly evenings because it’s quick to prepare but feels like something special. One of my favorite tricks is to brown the sausage until it’s nice and crispy before adding it to the soup—that adds so much flavor and texture that everyone seems to notice. Plus, the tortellini cooks right in the broth, soaking up all those tasty flavors.
When I serve this soup, I like to pair it with some crusty bread to dip in the broth, turning each spoonful into a little celebration. It’s a great meal for bringing family or friends together since it’s simple yet packed with taste. If you’ve never made sausage tortellini soup before, trust me, it quickly becomes one of those go-to dishes you reach for whenever you want comfort with a bit of a kick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor and richness. You can use mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini works best here for its creamy texture. If unavailable, cheese ravioli or small stuffed pasta can substitute well.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, and red bell pepper build the soup’s base flavor. If you want, you can swap bell pepper with zucchini or carrots for a slight change.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice pop of green and soft texture. Kale or Swiss chard can be swapped in but may need a bit longer to cook.
How Do I Get the Sausage Flavor Deep in My Soup?
Cooking the sausage properly is key. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in the pot, then add sausage without crowding the pan.
- Break the sausage into small pieces and let it brown without stirring too much—this creates crispy bits for extra flavor.
- Remove the browned sausage and save the fat left behind in the pot. Don’t drain it; that fat helps cook the veggies and adds depth.
- Cook your onions and peppers in the sausage fat before pouring in broth.
This method builds layers of flavor that make the soup taste richer and more satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning sausage and simmering the whole soup in one place.
- Wooden spoon – helps you break up sausage and stir veggies without scratching your pot.
- Slotted spoon – handy to remove cooked sausage while leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your broth and seasonings just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping your onions, celery, and bell pepper safely and easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner soup with mild flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh bell pepper to add sweet, tangy notes.
- Stir in mushrooms for extra earthiness and a meaty texture without more sausage.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 9 ounces refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Time You’ll Need:
This soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and browning the sausage and veggies, plus 10 minutes for simmering the broth, then 5 minutes to cook the tortellini and finish with spinach. Total cooking time is around 25 minutes, making it a quick and cozy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take the sausage out and set it aside, but keep the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Soup Base:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add Tortellini and Spinach:
Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes) until they become tender and float to the surface. Add the fresh spinach in the last minute and stir until it wilts.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your warm and comforting sausage tortellini soup!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps the sausage brown evenly and cook safely.
Can I Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point before adding tortellini and spinach, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat the soup and add the tortellini and spinach fresh to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Can I Substitute Tortellini with Another Pasta?
Yes, you can use ravioli, gnocchi, or small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions to avoid overcooking.
