Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. The rich aroma of sizzling sausage, fresh vegetables, and simmering broth creates an irresistible invitation, making everyone eager to gather around the table. This easy, hearty recipe has become a staple in our home, especially during the colder months when we crave something cozy and satisfying.

I first discovered this soup when looking for a way to use up leftover sausage and some tortellini I had in the freezer. Little did I know it would quickly become a favorite. Now, it’s one of those recipes that I make repeatedly, not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s so simple to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. This Sausage Tortellini Soup has everything you want in a winter warmer: flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

First off, the flavors are outstanding. The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and vegetables simmered in a rich, herby broth creates a dish that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. Each spoonful is packed with hearty goodness.

It's incredibly quick to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this soup even on the busiest weeknights. Minimal prep work means it’s perfect for those evenings when time feels tight, yet you still want something homemade and nourishing.

You'll love the versatility. Whether you prefer spicy sausage for a kick or want to keep it mild, this soup adjusts easily to suit your taste. Plus, you can throw in any veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to clear out the fridge while still having a fantastic meal.

Lastly, this soup is a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean. That’s always a win in my book, especially on weeknights when you just want to eat and relax.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its simple ingredients that come together for an incredible flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

The sausage is the flavor powerhouse here. I usually opt for Italian sausage, which brings the perfect amount of seasoning and richness. If you prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage. For a milder version, go with sweet or mild sausage. Both work beautifully and infuse the broth with savory depth.

Tortellini adds a touch of indulgence to this soup. I love using cheese-stuffed tortellini for an extra creamy bite, but you can use spinach or meat-stuffed ones if you prefer. Fresh tortellini cooks in just minutes, so save it for the end of the cooking process to keep it tender and delicious.

Vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery form the classic base for this soup. They provide a subtle sweetness and a hearty texture. Feel free to add more veggies if you want, like diced zucchini or fresh spinach, for an extra boost of nutrition.

The broth is where all the flavors meld together. I recommend using a mix of chicken broth and a bit of heavy cream. The broth keeps the soup light yet flavorful, while the cream adds a velvety finish that makes it feel luxurious. If you want a lighter option, you can swap the cream for half-and-half or even omit it entirely.

You’ll also need some aromatic herbs, like garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. These give the soup a well-rounded, savory flavor. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese for serving – it adds a delicious, salty bite that really ties everything together.

For equipment, you’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven. This ensures you have plenty of room to cook the sausage and simmer the soup without overcrowding.

How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating this mouthwatering Sausage Tortellini Soup is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. You’ll want to let it brown nicely for about 5-7 minutes. The caramelization on the sausage adds a deep, savory flavor to the soup. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

In the same pot, add diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, or until they start to soften. They should pick up the flavorful bits left behind by the sausage, adding another layer of richness to the broth. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot – these are flavor gold! Add dried oregano and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.

Next, stir in the tortellini and let them cook for 3-5 minutes, just until they float to the surface and are tender. Finally, return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in a splash of heavy cream. Let everything warm through for a minute or two, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

In total, this recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The result? A creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for any cold evening and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the soup for up to 3 days, but note that the tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth as it sits.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup, though it’s best to freeze it before adding the tortellini. This way, the pasta doesn’t become too mushy upon reheating. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding fresh tortellini when you warm it up.

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of extra broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Let it warm through, and you’re good to go!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to fit your family’s preferences or make use of what you have on hand.

For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream or swap it with a lower-fat option like half-and-half. You can also use turkey sausage or even chicken sausage for a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.

If you’d like to make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale to give the soup more substance and flavor.

For a spicy twist, use hot Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You could also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for even more heat.

Feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini. If you have meat-stuffed tortellini on hand, it’ll add a richer, heartier element to the soup. Or, use spinach tortellini for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

However you decide to make it, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is bound to become a beloved recipe in your home. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

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