The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this sausage tortellini soup is exactly what you need. It’s packed with flavor from the savory beef sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato broth that’s perfectly seasoned. And the best part? It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for chilly nights, and tastes even better the next day (hello, leftovers!).

this RECIPE

A warm memory of sausage tortellini soup

Growing up, my mom used to make a big pot of sausage tortellini soup every winter, filling the house with the mouth-watering aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and simmering spices. I remember coming home from school on snowy days, cheeks pink from the cold, to find her in the kitchen stirring the soup. She’d ladle it into our bowls and top it with just a sprinkle of Parmesan. The way that cheese melted into the hot soup was pure magic to me. I started making this recipe as an adult, tweaking it over time to make it my own, but it still brings back those cozy memories every time I make it.

A little background on tortellini soup

Sausage tortellini soup is one of those dishes that perfectly combines Italian flavors with comforting, hearty ingredients. Tortellini, a type of stuffed pasta that originated in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, is traditionally filled with cheese or meat. While tortellini is typically served with a simple sauce, using it in soup has become popular for adding extra richness and flavor to the broth. This recipe draws from Italian-American traditions, with a few modern tweaks—like adding sauce for an extra layer of tomato goodness.

Let’s talk ingredients: What makes this soup so delicious?

Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role, building layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.

• Beef sausage: This is the star of the soup, adding a hearty, savory depth. I recommend using a mild or spicy beef sausage, depending on your preference. If you can’t find sausage without casings, just cut them open and remove the sausage meat.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: these veggies provide a sweet, savory base that complements the sausage beautifully. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, frozen diced veggies work too.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that brings all the Italian flavors together. If you’re out of Italian seasoning, just use a mix of dried oregano and basil.
• Garlic: Just a teaspoon gives a lovely warmth and aroma. Fresh minced garlic is ideal, but you can also use pre-minced if you’re short on time.
• Chicken broth: It forms the soup’s base and adds a light, savory flavor. Go for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
• Cheese tortellini: The tortellini makes this soup hearty and filling. You can use frozen or fresh tortellini; both work well.
• Spinach (optional): Adding spinach at the end gives the soup a pop of color and some extra nutrients. It’s completely optional but a nice touch if you want a bit more green.

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

Making this soup is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need a ton of equipment—just a few basic tools to make things easier.

• Large soup pot: A big, sturdy pot is essential for making this one-pot meal. Look for one with a lid so you can easily simmer the soup without too much liquid evaporating.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the sausage as it cooks and for stirring the soup without scratching your pot.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: Chopping the veggies and sausage is so much easier (and safer!) with a sharp knife. Take your time here; it makes a difference.
• Measuring spoons and cups: While this recipe isn’t too fussy about exact measurements, it’s good to have these on hand for the Italian seasoning, salt, and broth.

Step-by-step: How to make sausage tortellini soup

Making this sausage tortellini soup is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Brown the sausage: Start by heating your soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef sausage (make sure it’s out of the casings) and cook until it’s nicely browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. This step should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, you can drain some of it out.
2. Add the veggies: Toss in your diced carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté these for a few minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and translucent. This will help release their flavors into the soup.
3. Season it up: Add the Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for just about a minute. This quick sauté with the spices wakes them up and releases their oils, making the soup extra flavorful.
4. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and sauce. Give everything a good stir, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This gives the carrots time to soften and lets the flavors meld together.
5. Cook the tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini, stir, and cover the pot again. Let it cook for another 5-6 minutes, just until the tortellini is tender. Be careful not to overcook, or the pasta will get mushy.
6. Add spinach (optional): If you’re adding spinach, toss it in at the very end and stir just until it wilts. This keeps it bright green and gives the soup a lovely pop of color.
7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Variations and adaptations: Make this soup your own

One of the best things about this sausage tortellini soup is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Make it gluten-free: Swap the tortellini for a gluten-free pasta, or look for gluten-free stuffed pasta options. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can overcook quickly.
• Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to make it heartier.
• Add beans for extra protein: White beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans are delicious in this soup. Just rinse and drain a can, and add them in with the tortellini.
• Spicy kick: If you’re a fan of heat, use spicy beef sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Creamy version: For a creamier soup, stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the very end. This gives the soup a lovely richness.

How to serve and garnish your tortellini soup

For a beautiful presentation, ladle the soup into wide bowls and top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. If you’re serving this soup for guests, you can set out small bowls of extra Parmesan, parsley, and even crushed red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their bowls.

Pair it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread, or try it with a side salad tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette. You could even serve it with some toasted baguette slices to dip into that delicious broth.

Beverages to pair with this soup

For a cozy meal, pair this sausage tortellini soup with a warm beverage. A hot apple cider or spiced tea complements the savory flavors of the soup nicely. If you’re looking for something cold, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light iced herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, can be refreshing. Another great option is a glass of kombucha; the tangy, slightly fizzy taste works well with the rich flavors in this soup.

Storage and reheating tips

This soup stores beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it up gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.

If you’re planning to freeze it, wait to add the tortellini until you’re ready to serve. Freeze the soup without the pasta, then add fresh tortellini when you reheat it to avoid mushy pasta.

Scaling the recipe for larger or smaller groups

This recipe serves about four people, but it’s easy to adjust. For a smaller batch, just halve the ingredients. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double everything and use a larger pot. Just be aware that you might need to simmer the soup a little longer to ensure the carrots are tender.

Common questions about sausage tortellini soup

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. You may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, so just check the pasta for tenderness.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, just swap the cheese tortellini for a dairy-free pasta. You might miss a bit of the richness, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

Q: Is there a way to make this soup more filling?
A: Adding beans or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms will make it even heartier without needing more pasta.

Q: What can I use instead of beef sausage?
A: You can use ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a similar texture and flavor.

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