There's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup on a chilly evening. This comforting dish brings together savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

I discovered this recipe on a particularly cold night when I was craving something cozy but quick. What started as a mix of pantry staples has turned into a family tradition, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s dive in and make this soup your next go-to comfort meal!

Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation! This Sausage Tortellini Soup is as versatile as it is delicious.

First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and a few simple steps, you’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy evenings.

It’s also crowd-pleasing and family-friendly. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or soup lovers, the combination of creamy broth, tender pasta, and savory sausage will win everyone over.

Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh tortellini means you get a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

And the best part? This soup is perfectly customizable. Whether you prefer a creamy base or a lighter tomato broth, you can tweak it to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. The sausage brings a rich, savory flavor that forms the base of the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works just as well.

Tortellini: Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini is the heart of this dish. Its tender, doughy texture pairs perfectly with the hearty broth. Spinach or meat-filled tortellini are great alternatives too.

Chicken Broth: Go for a low-sodium option so you can control the saltiness of the soup. The broth provides depth and enhances all the other flavors.

Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add a slightly tangy, robust element. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great choice for extra smokiness.

Cream or Half-and-Half: For a creamy twist, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half transforms this soup into something luxuriously indulgent. Skip it for a lighter, broth-based version.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes if you want a heartier green.

Lastly, you’ll need basic pantry staples like onion, garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. No special equipment is required, just a trusty stockpot to bring it all together.

How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating this Sausage Tortellini Soup is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these simple steps:

Start by heating a large stockpot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.

In the same pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The aromatic base sets the stage for the rest of the soup.

Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Add the cooked sausage back into the pot, followed by 2 cups of fresh tortellini. Let the tortellini cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until tender.

For the final touch, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and a splash of ½ cup heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the cream blends smoothly.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dunking. This one-pot wonder comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.

Storage Options

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is just as delightful the next day! Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier.
Freeze: If you plan to freeze, hold off on adding the tortellini until you reheat. Transfer the soup (without tortellini) to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat. Add fresh tortellini during reheating to avoid sogginess.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Switch up the protein: Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free.
Make it dairy-free: Skip the cream and sprinkle in a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Add more veggies: Boost the nutrition by tossing in diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some extra heat.

Experiment with these variations to create a version that fits your taste perfectly. No matter how you make it, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.

There you have it! This Sausage Tortellini Soup is easy, hearty, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're curling up on the couch or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!