There’s something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of sausage tortellini soup on a chilly evening. The rich aroma of Italian sausage, simmering tomatoes, and herbs fills your kitchen, creating a warm hug in a bowl that’s impossible to resist.

I discovered this recipe on a cold winter night, searching for something hearty yet simple. With minimal prep and just one pot, it quickly became my go-to meal for cozy dinners or when I need to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Ready to make your new favorite soup? Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Get ready to enjoy a soup that’s equal parts comforting and flavorful. This sausage tortellini soup has so much to offer!

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner ready in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something special without a lot of effort.

The flavors are out of this world. The savory Italian sausage pairs beautifully with tender cheese-filled tortellini, while the rich tomato-based broth brings it all together. A touch of cream gives the soup a velvety finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

It’s also a complete meal in a bowl. Packed with protein, carbs, and veggies, this soup is as satisfying as it is delicious. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a hearty dinner.

Lastly, it’s perfectly customizable. Whether you like your soup extra spicy or packed with veggies, this recipe is flexible enough to fit your preferences.

Now, let’s look at the simple ingredients that make this soup so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this sausage tortellini soup lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table.

Italian sausage: This is the heart of the soup’s flavor. Sweet or spicy sausage works, depending on your taste. Remove the casings if using links for easy crumbling.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is a classic choice, but spinach or meat-filled options work just as well. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and adds a lovely, chewy texture.
Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the broth, offering a rich, tangy depth. You can substitute diced tomatoes for more texture.
Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth to balance the soup’s flavor. For a richer taste, swap in bone broth.
Heavy cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut milk can work too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes if you prefer heartier greens.

You'll also need some basic pantry staples: olive oil, garlic, onion, and spices like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper.

No fancy tools are needed—just a sturdy pot or Dutch oven to bring this soup to life!

How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making this sausage tortellini soup is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty dinner in no time!

Sauté the sausage and aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the flavorful drippings.
Build the broth: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the sausage to the pot and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
Add the tortellini and spinach: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes. Toss in the spinach during the last minute of cooking, letting it wilt beautifully into the soup.
Finish with cream: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream for a rich, velvety finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for dipping.

Storage Options

This sausage tortellini soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, omit the tortellini. Store the broth and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add fresh tortellini.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the soup on the stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even warming.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can adapt it to suit your preferences.

Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Vegetarian option: Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Pasta swap: If you’re out of tortellini, small pasta shapes like orecchiette or rotini can work in a pinch.
Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the soup creamy without the dairy.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. With its versatile nature, the possibilities are endless!

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this sausage tortellini soup is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich flavors, simple prep, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your favorite twists and variations!