There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of sausage tortellini soup to bring comfort and joy to your table. With its rich broth, hearty sausage, and tender tortellini, this soup is the perfect answer to chilly evenings or when you're craving a meal that hugs you from the inside out.
I first made this recipe on a whim, inspired by a nearly bare fridge and a craving for something satisfying yet simple. What started as a pantry-cleaning experiment quickly turned into a family favorite. Now, it's my go-to dish for cozy nights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Get ready to dive into a soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s explore why this sausage tortellini soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite soup recipe. This sausage tortellini soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly simple to whip up.
First, it’s a time-saver. With just 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a steaming pot of flavorful soup ready to serve, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using affordable, everyday ingredients like Italian sausage, tortellini, and canned tomatoes ensures you get a lot of flavor without breaking the bank.
The flavors are unmatched. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with the tender tortellini, while the creamy broth ties everything together into one luxurious bowl of goodness.
Finally, this soup is endlessly versatile. Whether you prefer a creamy or brothy base, want to toss in some extra veggies, or swap out the tortellini for another pasta, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.
Now that you know why it’s a must-try, let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this sausage tortellini soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating a dish that's as hearty as it is comforting.
- Italian Sausage: Whether you choose mild or spicy, this ingredient is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. The sausage brings a rich, savory taste and adds depth to the broth.
- Tortellini: These little pasta pockets, often stuffed with cheese or spinach, add substance to the soup. They cook quickly and soak up the delicious broth, making every bite irresistible.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring a bright, slightly tangy flavor to balance the richness of the sausage and tortellini. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great option for an extra layer of smokiness.
- Broth: A mix of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the perfect base. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk, though the soup may be less creamy.
- Spinach: Adding fresh spinach toward the end of cooking gives the soup a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. You can also use kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
You’ll also need basics like garlic, onion, olive oil, and Italian seasoning to bring everything together. A large stockpot or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking this soup.
Let’s move on to the step-by-step process for making this cozy dish.
How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating this sausage tortellini soup is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Let me guide you through the process so you can enjoy this comforting meal in no time.
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. The aromatics will soak up all the flavorful bits left behind by the sausage.
Next, stir in a can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in your Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes before pouring in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Now, it’s time to add the tortellini. These cook quickly, usually within 5-7 minutes, so keep an eye on them. Once the tortellini are tender, stir in your cooked sausage and a handful of fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt for 1-2 minutes.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, letting the soup warm through without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your soup is now ready to serve!
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy nights.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), this soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store the soup in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezer: While the tortellini may become slightly soft, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for an easy meal later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to freeze the soup, cook the tortellini separately and add it after reheating to preserve its texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this sausage tortellini soup is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add more vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Use a different pasta if you don’t have tortellini. Mini ravioli or even gnocchi work wonderfully.
- Prefer a spicier kick? Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cream and using coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
Experiment and have fun with this recipe—it’s hard to go wrong with such a delicious base!
This sausage tortellini soup is a guaranteed hit. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, its comforting flavors and quick prep time make it an absolute winner. Try it today, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite!
PrintThe Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
This creamy sausage tortellini soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish made with sausage, tortellini, and a rich broth—ideal for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, stir in heavy cream, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute sausage with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Use frozen tortellini if fresh is unavailable, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
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