There’s nothing like a warm bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup to make you feel cozy and satisfied. With its rich broth, hearty sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor.
I first made this soup on a chilly evening, looking for something that felt like a hug in a bowl. It quickly became a family favorite, with requests for seconds every time. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prepare to add this Sausage Tortellini Soup to your list of go-to recipes. Here's why you’ll fall in love:
First, it’s incredibly hearty and filling. Thanks to the combination of sausage and tortellini, this soup feels like a full meal, not just a starter.
Next, it’s bursting with flavorful ingredients. The savory sausage, garlicky broth, and fresh herbs create a taste that’s rich and satisfying.
It’s also a total time-saver. This soup comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Finally, it’s versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making this a dish you’ll never get bored of.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to this soup’s incredible flavor is its simple, fresh ingredients. Let’s break them down:
- Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Use mild, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preference. You can use links or ground sausage—just remove the casings if using links.
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini are a classic choice, but you can also use spinach or meat-filled varieties for a twist.
- Vegetables: Diced onions, carrots, and celery form the aromatic base of the soup. Fresh spinach or kale added at the end provides color and nutrients.
- Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is essential for this soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and balance the richness of the sausage. You can use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, thyme, and basil make the soup aromatic and elevate its flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan stirred in at the end gives the soup a creamy, savory finish.
Special Equipment
You’ll need a large Dutch oven or soup pot to make this recipe. The pot’s size and heat retention ensure even cooking and plenty of room for the tortellini to expand.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

This soup is incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers big on flavor. Follow these steps:
- Cook the Sausage
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. - Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Finish with Greens and Cheese
Once the tortellini are tender, stir in the fresh spinach or kale and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage Options
This soup is perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If possible, store the tortellini separately to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the tortellini) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This soup is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Tortellini Swaps: Use mini ravioli, gnocchi, or even plain pasta for a different take.
- Add Veggies: Stir in zucchini, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the soup dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you need in a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet night in, it’s guaranteed to impress with its hearty, flavorful goodness.
Grab your pot and get cooking—you’re just 30 minutes away from a bowl of comfort!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
This Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe is a rich and hearty one-pot meal made with Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this creamy and flavorful soup comes together in just 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in tortellini and cooked sausage. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use turkey sausage and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use frozen tortellini if fresh is unavailable; cooking times may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 960mg
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