If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully blends hearty Italian sausage with pillowy tortellini and vibrant veggies, all swimming in a rich, herby broth that’s bursting with flavor. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly, making this soup an all-time favorite for cozy nights or anytime you want a quick, nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, all harmonizing into one fantastic dish.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for browning the sausage perfectly, creating a flavorful base.
- Ground Italian sausage: The star protein that adds spice, richness, and a savory depth.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a nice crunch when sautéed.
- Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and aromatic freshness.
- Onion: Provides a foundational savory note that enhances the broth.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Butternut squash: Adds a vibrant color and gentle sweetness that balance the sausage.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Contributes acidity and a juicy texture, brightening the flavor profile.
- Chicken broth: The comforting liquid that carries all flavors together beautifully.
- Thyme: Offers a fragrant, earthy herb note that lifts the dish.
- Oregano: Adds a classic Italian herbal warmth.
- Pepper: Grounds the soup with subtle heat and complexity.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz bag): Soft, cheesy pillows that make every bite decadent and filling.
- Spinach: A fresh, leafy green boost that wilts perfectly in the hot soup.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Those crispy bits that form as the sausage cooks bring incredible flavor to the soup, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next up, toss in the carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and cubed butternut squash. Sauté everything for 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften slightly and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These vibrant veggies not only taste amazing but create a perfect texture contrast to the soft tortellini later on.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, and pepper, then stir it all together. Bring the soup to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and letting it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmer allows all the flavors to mingle and deepen wonderfully.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Now it’s time for the cheesy tortellini to take center stage. Add them to the pot and let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they become tender and plump. There’s something so satisfying about watching these little pasta pockets soak up the savory broth.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt it just perfectly, adding a fresh, green pop of color and a nutritional boost without losing its delicate flavor.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Cozy
Ladle your soup into bowls and finish it off with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. This final touch adds cheesiness and a pop of brightness, making your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe truly irresistible on chilly days.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup is wonderful on its own, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley brings extra layers of flavor and color. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders if you crave a little heat.
Side Dishes
A crusty artisan bread or garlic knots are the perfect companions for spooning up every last drop of this hearty soup. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sausage and tortellini beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. Not only is it visually impressive, but you get an edible vessel that soaks up the flavorful broth nicely. You can also garnish with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy second servings without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
Because the tortellini can become mushy after freezing, it’s best to store the soup without the pasta if you plan to freeze it. Freeze the broth, vegetables, and sausage mixture separately for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw and add fresh tortellini at serving time.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Add fresh spinach or extra tortellini during reheating to revive that just-cooked texture and vibrant color.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Just keep in mind the seasoning might vary slightly.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini work perfectly. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time in Step 4 because frozen pasta takes a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the sausage with a plant-based protein or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian version that still feels hearty and comforting.
How spicy is the soup as written?
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe has a mild warmth from the Italian sausage and pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to punch up the heat.
What kind of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini are classic here, giving the soup that creamy, melty pocket in every bite. However, meat or spinach tortellini can also work well for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that checks every box for flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger and vibrant enough to keep your taste buds excited. Truly, every spoonful feels like a warm celebration of good food and cozy moments. You owe it to yourself to give this soup a try soon — it just might become your new favorite go-to!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender tortellini, and a rich broth infused with herbs and diced tomatoes, this soup combines savory and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups spinach
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 6 cups chicken broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp pepper
Pasta
- 1 (9 oz) bag tortellini
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns and develops crispy edges for enhanced flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the peeled and cut carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and cubed butternut squash to the pot. Sauté the mixture for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir in thyme, oregano, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the bag of tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Wilt Spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt in the warm soup broth, adding a pop of color and nutrients.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm for a cozy, hearty meal.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Use fresh tortellini if available for better texture, but frozen works well too.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Adding Parmesan cheese as a topping adds a salty richness that complements the soup perfectly.
