Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal packed with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a rich and aromatic broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you’re craving comfort food.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients Overview

• Sausage: Italian sausage adds a bold, spiced flavor; you can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini are perfect, but you can experiment with other fillings.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and spinach provide depth and nutrition.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the soup’s base.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
• Cream (optional): Adds a touch of richness for a creamier soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage (casings removed, if applicable). Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks.
2. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings

1. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth.
2. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat). Stir well.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cook the Tortellini

1. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
2. Add 1 package (about 9 ounces) of cheese tortellini. Simmer for 6–8 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.

5. Add Spinach and Cream (Optional)

1. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted.
2. For a creamier soup, add ½ cup of heavy cream and stir until combined.

6. Taste and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Make It Lighter: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free soup.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the tortellini.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup without the tortellini and spinach. Add them when reheating to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze this soup?
Avoid freezing with tortellini, as they may become mushy. Freeze the soup base and add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and brown the sausage. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
4. Add sausage and tortellini, cooking until tortellini are tender.
5. Stir in spinach and cream, if using. Cook until spinach wilts.
6. Season to taste and serve with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Enjoy this warm, comforting Sausage and Tortellini Soup for a satisfying meal! 🥣

This Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal packed with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a rich and aromatic broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you’re craving comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 package 9 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup heavy cream optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and brown the sausage. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
• Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
• Add sausage and tortellini, cooking until tortellini are tender.
• Stir in spinach and cream, if using. Cook until spinach wilts.
• Season to taste and serve with Parmesan and parsley if desired.