Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty sausage tortellini soup that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Packed with robust flavors, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.

Italian sausage brings a rich, meaty depth that mingles perfectly with cheese-filled tortellini.

Robust vegetables add texture and nutrition to each delightful bite.

Simmering herbs and spices create an aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy this delectable soup without spending hours cooking.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant favorite.

Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Is So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with rich flavors that hugs you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
• Whip Up Quickly: Super simple one-pot recipe that comes together in just a few steps, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allows swapping proteins, adding different veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Nutrition in a Bowl: Loaded with protein from sausage, vegetables for vitamins, and tortellini for satisfying carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal in one pot.

Ingredients Needed for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Create a classic flavor foundation and add nutritional depth to the soup.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces fresh green color and provides additional nutrients.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and creates a robust soup base.
• Tortellini: Serves as the primary pasta component, offering a delicious cheesy filling.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Contribute complex herbal and spicy notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Adjust and balance the overall seasoning.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

How to Prepare Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a side plate, keeping those delicious meat bits ready for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery.

Cook the vegetables until they become tender and release their fragrant flavors, creating a delicious base for the soup.

Step 3: Build Robust Soup Foundation

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to create a warm, complex flavor profile.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Step 4: Reintroduce Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 5: Cook Tortellini

Add tortellini to the simmering soup.

Cook according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender and plump.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Greens

Stir in fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to wilt into the soup.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Helpful Tips for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, or use turkey sausage for a leaner protein alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the soup.
• Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, chewy texture.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze without tortellini for better preservation.
• Deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after cooking sausage to add rich, complex undertones to the soup base.

Flavor Twists for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, use lean chicken or turkey sausage, and increase vegetable content for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute, keeping all other ingredients the same for a dairy-free version of the soup.

What Complements Sausage Tortellini Soup Well

• Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread or warm breadsticks for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
• Cheesy Delight Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for a creamy, indulgent finish that elevates the soup's taste.
• Fresh Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust and warming flavors, creating a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the sausage and tomato notes.

Best Storage for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• 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 as it can become mushy.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• What kind of sausage works best in this soup?

Italian sausage is ideal, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Remove the casings and break the meat into small pieces for the best texture and flavor distribution.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra protein and depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh tortellini or additional broth since pasta absorbs liquid during freezing.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup brings Italian comfort to winter dinner tables. Rich broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Remaining Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 9 ounces (255 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium heat at 350°F, then brown the sausage until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same pot to sauté aromatic vegetables – onions, garlic, carrots, and celery – until they become translucent and tender, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, creating a robust liquid base. Elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Reintroduce the cooked sausage into the bubbling liquid, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify during a 10-minute simmering process.
5. Gently incorporate tortellini, submerging them completely in the liquid. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
6. Introduce fresh spinach or kale into the soup, stirring until the greens wilt and become tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of flavor and richness.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
• Remove sausage casings for easier cooking and better flavor distribution.
• Use fresh tortellini from refrigerated section for superior taste and texture.
• Swap tortellini with gluten-free alternative for celiac-friendly version.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian adaptation.
• Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for bright, fresh finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg