The Coziest Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

A cozy kitchen where hearty sausage tortellini soup bubbles with warmth and comfort.

Rich Italian flavors dance through this steaming pot of deliciousness.

Robust pasta pillows nestle alongside spicy crumbled sausage in a velvety broth.

Fragrant herbs whisper promises of a satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside.

Weeknight dinners crave something simple yet extraordinary like this magical recipe.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutrition to every spoonful.

The magic happens when you combine these ingredients with love and a dash of culinary creativity.

Grab a ladle and get ready to transform an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

What Makes Sausage Tortellini Soup So Cozy

• Savor Rich Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that blends spicy sausage, tender tortellini, and creamy broth for the ultimate cozy meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious soup in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from sausage, vegetables for added nutrients, and soft tortellini, this soup delivers a balanced meal in a single, simple preparation.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or use different tortellini fillings to create a personalized soup that suits every family member's taste preferences.

All The Ingredients For Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and texture to the soup, choose mild or spicy based on preference.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and depth of flavor, low-sodium options work well for controlling salt content.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend that creates aromatic soup foundation, fresh and crisp vegetables enhance overall taste.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor, fresh garlic provides best taste.
• Spinach or Kale: Light green vegetable that adds nutrition and color, can be substituted based on availability.
• Dried Basil, Oregano: Dried herbs that bring Mediterranean-style seasoning, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes soup more substantial, fresh or frozen varieties work equally well.
• Heavy Cream: Creates creamy texture and richness, can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing, extra virgin provides best flavor.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and slight sweetness, choose no-salt-added version if preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese for garnishing, freshly grated provides best flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for final taste adjustment.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.

How You Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Grab a big pot and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the sausage and break it into yummy little pieces. Cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is fully cooked. If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain some off.

Step 2: Saute the Veggie Buddies

Dump in the chopped onions, carrot slices, and celery strips. Let them dance around in the pot for 5-7 minutes until they get soft and tender. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes with their juicy goodness
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy)

Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the flavors get to know each other for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Comfort

Stir in heavy cream and return the soup to a soft simmer. Add tortellini and cook based on package directions – usually 5-7 minutes for fresh pasta or 10-12 minutes if frozen.

Step 5: Green Up the Soup

Toss in chopped spinach or kale and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and shower with grated Parmesan cheese. Grab some crusty bread and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort!

Pro Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t worry about leftovers.

Smart Cooking Tips For Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper flavor, preferably with some spice to enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Vegetable Prep Power: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Cream Consistency Trick: Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky soup base.
• Tortellini Timing Control: Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their delightful texture.
• Dietary Swap Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, and use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.

Best Way To Save Sausage Tortellini Soup For Later

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini-based soups, as pasta can become mushy when thawed.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Microwave Option: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Tasty Matches For Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the sausage and creamy tortellini soup. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the tomato and herb notes.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Crisp, herb-infused focaccia bread provides the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful broth. The garlic and Parmesan toppings mirror the soup's savory profile and add delightful texture.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh, tangy contrast to the soup's creamy and meaty elements. Adds a bright, zesty counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Complement with Dry Cider: A crisp, slightly tart hard apple cider provides a refreshing alternative to wine. Its light effervescence and subtle sweetness balance the soup's richness and cut through the creamy texture.

Ways To Mix Up Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Tortellini Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version packed with protein and rich flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced green chilies, swap basil for cumin, include black beans, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern-inspired soup experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate roasted red peppers, swap oregano for fresh thyme, add kalamata olives, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.
• Creamy Tuscan Inspiration: Include sun-dried tomatoes, swap spinach for fresh arugula, add a splash of white wine during cooking, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an authentic Italian touch.

Questions You Might Have About Sausage Tortellini Soup

• What makes this sausage tortellini soup special?

This soup combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with creamy tortellini and fresh vegetables. The combination of herbs, cream, and spinach creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage works best, you can substitute with spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the soup’s flavor profile.

• Is this soup considered a complete meal?

Yes, this sausage tortellini soup is a complete meal in one pot. It contains protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the tortellini, vegetables for nutrition, and a creamy base that makes it filling and satisfying.

• How can I make this soup lighter or healthier?

To make the soup lighter, you can use lean sausage, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These substitutions can reduce calories while maintaining great flavor.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl with robust Italian flavors and creamy richness. Packed with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, this soup warms hearts and satisfies hunger with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 9 ounces (250 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Render the sausage in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, methodically crumbling the meat until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior. Eliminate any surplus rendered fat to maintain a clean cooking surface.
2. Incorporate aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, and celery – into the pot. Sauté these ingredients until they soften and release their subtle fragrances, then introduce minced garlic and allow it to bloom briefly.
3. Stream chicken broth into the vegetable and sausage foundation. Integrate diced tomatoes and their accompanying liquid, complemented by dried herbs like basil and oregano. Include red pepper flakes for an optional subtle heat. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, permitting flavors to harmonize and intensify.
4. Carefully fold heavy cream into the simmering liquid, creating a silky texture. Introduce tortellini, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook until pasta reaches an al dente consistency, maintaining a tender yet slightly firm texture.
5. Delicately fold fresh spinach or kale into the soup, allowing the greens to wilt seamlessly. Season the entire composition with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
6. Ladle the robust soup into serving vessels, crowning each portion with a generous sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Select high-quality Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire soup’s taste experience.
• Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure better meat distribution and more uniform texture throughout the dish.
• Consider using pre-cooked tortellini to reduce overall cooking time and prevent potential overcooking of pasta.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter versions, making the soup less caloric without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Fresh spinach wilts faster than kale, so add leafy greens in the last minute of cooking to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini and ensure all broth ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance, starting with small amounts and increasing gradually for personalized heat level.
• Freeze leftover soup without cream or tortellini, adding those ingredients fresh when reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 120mg