This warm and hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for chilly days! With juicy sausage, cheesy tortellini, and rich broth, it’s comforting in every spoonful.
Making this soup is a breeze—you just cook the sausage, toss in the veggies, and add the tortellini. It’s one of my favorite quick meals, and it always warms me up! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of your soup! You can choose mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a kick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage or chicken sausage work well, too.
Olive Oil: You need a little oil to brown the sausage and veggies. If you don’t have olive oil, try using canola oil or even butter for a richer flavor.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic add depth to your soup. If you’re in a pinch, onion powder or garlic powder can substitute in a smaller amount, but the fresh taste is unbeatable!
Diced Tomatoes: These enhance the soup’s flavor and add color. If you want to change things up, crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes are great alternatives.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth offers a nice base without meat.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half works, or you could use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Tortellini: I love cheese tortellini for its richness! If you can’t find tortellini, gnocchi or even small pasta shapes like ditalini are good choices.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and vibrancy. Kale or Swiss chard can be used if you prefer a different green or need a heartier texture.
How to Sauté Sausage and Veggies Perfectly?
Getting the sausage and vegetables just right is essential for flavor. Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat, then add the sausage.
- Break up the sausage as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Cook until the sausage is well browned and no longer pink for about 6-8 minutes.
- Add your chopped onion and cook until soft (around 3 minutes) then mix in garlic for an additional minute—this releases great aromas!
The goal is to build layers of flavor that will make your soup extra delicious! Don’t rush, as this step sets the stage for a fantastic meal.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft. This should take around 3 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and dried Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to mix and then bring the mixture to a boil. This helps all the flavors to blend together nicely.
4. Let it Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and tasty broth.
5. Add Cream and Tortellini:
Now, stir in the heavy cream to make the soup creamy and delicious! Then, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Finally, add the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. This not only adds a lovely color but also boosts the nutrition of your soup.
7. Season and Serve:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh black pepper according to your preference. Once you have it just right, ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy your hearty and creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! Perfect with a slice of crusty bread on the side! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe! Just add them directly to the simmering soup for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand — it’s a convenient option!
How Can I Make This Soup Healthier?
To make the soup lighter, consider using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, or use a combination of milk and a thickener like cornstarch to keep it creamy but lower in fat.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to throw in other vegetables for extra nutrition! Carrots, diced zucchini, or bell peppers can work great. Just chop them small and add them along with the onion for a delicious boost!
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
