Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Bowls of Cozy Bliss

Savory aromas fill the kitchen when you craft this hearty sausage tortellini soup that promises warmth and comfort.

Deep Italian flavors merge with robust ingredients to create a soul-satisfying meal.

Tender tortellini float alongside crumbled sausage in a rich, fragrant broth that beckons hungry diners.

Packed with vegetables and herbs, this soup delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful brings a delectable combination of pasta, meat, and seasonal produce.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a delicious adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 586 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed For Sausage Tortellini Soup

For Meat Base:
  • Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein foundation, choose Italian-style or spicy variety for extra depth.
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect sautéing environment, select extra virgin for best taste and healthier cooking.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor-building trio that adds sweetness and depth, choose fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
  • Garlic: Enhances overall taste profile, select firm cloves without sprouting for maximum potency.
  • Dried Basil, Oregano: Authentic Italian herb blend adding robust Mediterranean essence, use recently packaged herbs for strongest flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.
For Liquid and Finishing Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates soup's foundational liquid, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright acidity and texture, choose no-salt-added varieties for better flavor control.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth consistency, select high-quality cream for best results.
  • Tortellini: Provides hearty pasta element, choose cheese or meat-filled options based on preference.
  • Spinach or Kale: Introduces fresh nutrients and color, select crisp, deeply green leaves.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty finish, grate fresh for most intense flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Soup Tools For Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, provides ample space for ingredients and even heat distribution.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and spinach with precision.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables safely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into individual bowls without mess.
  • Cheese Grater: Used for creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.

How To Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Quickly

  • Sausage Awakening

Brown sausage in a large pot, breaking it into delicious crumbles. The meat will release irresistible aromas and create a rich foundation for the soup.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Introduce onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their natural sweetness. Sprinkle garlic for an extra flavor punch that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes. Sprinkle herbs that will transform the liquid into a vibrant, soul-warming base. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating deep, complex flavors.

  • Creamy Comfort

Swirl in heavy cream, bringing luxurious richness to the soup. Gently add tortellini, letting them bob and float like little pillows of deliciousness. Watch them transform and become perfectly tender.

  • Green Finale

Toss in fresh spinach, watching it wilt and add a burst of color and nutrition. Season with salt and pepper to elevate every single spoonful.

  • Serving Joy

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. Shower with Parmesan cheese and serve alongside crusty bread for a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Tips And Options For Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance the soup's depth and complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base in advance and add tortellini just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy during storage.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free options for those with wheat sensitivities. Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream for a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different herb blends like fresh thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor profiles. Kick up the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for bold tastes.
  • Nutritional Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase the soup's nutritional value and create more texture. Swap out some chicken broth with bone broth for extra protein and minerals.

Serving Sausage Tortellini Soup Hot And Hearty

  • Cozy Bread Pairing: Grab a crusty baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. Tear pieces directly into the soup for added texture and warmth.
  • Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty nature. The fresh crunch complements the creamy tortellini.
  • Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or add crumbled feta on top for an intense cheese experience. The salty notes will enhance the sausage and vegetable flavors.
  • Wine Night Suggestion: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to match the soup's robust profile. The wine's acidity cuts through the cream and complements the sausage perfectly.

Storing Sausage Tortellini Soup The Right Way

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the soup cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep liquid level consistent and separate toppings like Parmesan cheese to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Freeze soup without cream or tortellini for optimal quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator overnight, reheat gently, then add fresh tortellini and cream during final warming.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup appears thick. Avoid microwave to maintain tortellini's delicate texture and prevent overcooking vegetables.
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Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Italian sausage tortellini soup combines hearty ingredients for a comforting meal. Pasta, vegetables, and rich broth create a satisfying dish that brings warmth to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 9 oz (250g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle sausage in a capacious pot over medium-high heat, methodically fragmenting the protein until achieving a caramelized golden-brown exterior. Drain excess fat for optimal culinary clarity.
  2. Vegetable Foundation: Introduce aromatic mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) into the rendered meat base. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their nuanced essences, then incorporate minced garlic, allowing its pungent notes to permeate the mixture.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken broth into the robust base, blending diced tomatoes, dried herbs (basil, oregano), and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently, permitting flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious liquid landscape.
  4. Creamy Transformation: Integrate heavy cream into the simmering concoction, establishing a luxurious silken texture. Submerge tortellini completely, cooking until pasta achieves perfect al dente consistency – tender yet structurally resilient.
  5. Final Embellishment: Gently fold verdant greens (spinach or kale) into the soup, allowing them to wilt gracefully. Season comprehensively with salt and freshly ground black pepper, calibrating to taste preferences. Garnish with aged Parmesan and serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Sausage Browning: Ensure high heat and avoid overcrowding the pot to achieve a deep golden-brown color, which develops rich, caramelized flavor profiles.
  • Vegetable Precision: Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture, allowing each ingredient to release maximum flavor without becoming mushy.
  • Cream Integration Technique: Temper heavy cream by slowly stirring and maintaining low heat to prevent curdling, creating a smooth and silky soup consistency.
  • Tortellini Timing Mastery: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, keeping tortellini tender and preventing them from becoming soggy or falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 586
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 951mg
  • Fat: 37g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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