Step 1: Brown the Sausage

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
  3. If the sausage releases too much grease, drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes

  1. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well to combine.
  2. Add the Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

  1. Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the cheese tortellini.
  2. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cream and Spinach

  1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
  2. Add the fresh spinach (or kale) and stir until it wilts into the soup. This takes about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  1. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to add extra flavor and creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Tips for the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup

  1. Use Quality Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is the key flavor base for this soup. Look for fresh sausage for the best results.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini toward the end to avoid mushy pasta. Cook until just tender.
  3. Heavy Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
  4. Add Vegetables: Customize the soup with extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them during Step 3 with the broth.
  5. Spinach or Kale: Both greens work beautifully. If using kale, cook it a bit longer to soften.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with white beans or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Tomato-Free Option: Skip the diced tomatoes for a creamy white broth version.
  • Different Tortellini: Try meat-filled tortellini, spinach tortellini, or even ravioli for a fun twist.
  • Cheese Blend: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra gooeyness.

What to Serve with Sausage Tortellini Soup

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread, a baguette, or sourdough for dipping.
  • Side Salad: A light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for extra nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

  • To Store: Let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
  • To Freeze: If freezing, do so before adding the tortellini and cream, as pasta and dairy can change texture when frozen. Add fresh tortellini and cream when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet satisfying. With savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and wholesome vegetables, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to warm your heart and belly. Give it a try, and don’t forget to customize it to make it your own!

Would you like more one-pot soup recipes or tips for making homemade tortellini? Let me know—I’m here to help! 🍲✨