Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe to Warm Chilly Days

Hearty winter nights spark cravings for warm sausage tortellini soup that instantly comfort and delight.

Robust Italian flavors dance through this delectable recipe, promising a meal that warms from the inside out.

Chunky sausage pieces blend perfectly with tender cheese-filled pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

Nutritious vegetables add depth and character to each spoonful, making this soup more than just a simple meal.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort to your kitchen table.

Rich broth embraces every ingredient, promising a satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming culinary creation.

Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Is a Favorite

  • Combine spicy sausage, creamy tortellini, and fresh vegetables for a robust meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste straight from your kitchen.
  • Minimize cleanup with a single pot recipe that streamlines cooking process, making dinner preparation stress-free and convenient for busy families.
  • Easily swap ingredients like adding kale instead of spinach, using turkey sausage for leaner protein, or including extra vegetables to personalize nutrition profile.

What You’ll Need for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the soup.
  • Spinach, Kale: Leafy greens that provide nutrients and vibrant color.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Foundational vegetable for building soup's flavor profile.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: Aromatic that enhances overall taste and provides health benefits.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Core liquid that creates the soup's base and adds savory depth.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and brightness to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
  • Dried Basil, Oregano: Dried herbs that contribute Mediterranean-style seasoning.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
Additional Components:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup more substantial.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Garnish that adds salty, nutty flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing ingredients.
  • Crusty Bread: Optional side for dipping and completing the meal.

How to Cook Sausage Tortellini Soup with Ease

Step 1: Brown Sausage Goodness

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high flame. Crumble sausage into the pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until meat turns golden brown and fully develops its rich flavor, stirring occasionally. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Add to the pot:
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Stir and cook until vegetables become tender and start releasing their aromatic essence. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the kitchen fill with incredible scents.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Dried basil
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Bring mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer. Let ingredients dance together for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop depth.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Swirl heavy cream into the soup, returning to a soft simmer. Add tortellini and cook based on package directions until pasta becomes perfectly tender and plump.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach or kale, letting leaves wilt gracefully. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Ladle steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with warm crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

Tips That Help With Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Optimize Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage like sweet or spicy varieties to enhance the soup's overall flavor profile and depth.
  • Prevent Tortellini Overcooking: Add tortellini toward the end of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
  • Cream Stability Trick: Temper the heavy cream by gradually adding a small amount of hot broth before mixing into the soup to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
  • Vegetable Prep Shortcut: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup, creating a balanced bite in every spoonful.
  • Customize Soup Consistency: Adjust broth quantity based on preference- add more for a lighter soup or reduce for a thicker, heartier version that clings to tortellini.

How to Store and Reheat Sausage Tortellini Soup Like a Pro

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini, as it may become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warm and steaming.
  • Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Best Sides for Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • A Wine and Bread Pairing Guide for Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the soup's robust sausage flavors and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Choose a hearty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the rich broth, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional layers of taste.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the soup's deep flavors and add a crisp, aromatic element that complements the hearty ingredients.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Fun Twists on Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Choose firm portobello or cremini mushrooms to mimic meaty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Use corn or rice-based pasta to maintain soup's delicious integrity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Add extra protein through grilled chicken or additional sausage to keep meal satisfying.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Skip heavy cream and use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk cream. Select dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative for final garnish.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, warming flavors. Packed with savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and aromatic herbs, you’ll savor each comforting spoonful of this satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 9 ounces (250g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Liquids, Seasonings, and Dairy:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Render the ground sausage in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, methodically fragmenting the meat while it caramelizes to a rich golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate superfluous rendering fat if necessary.
  2. Incorporate aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, and celery – into the meat-infused pan. Sauté until vegetables soften and develop translucent edges, roughly 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and toast briefly until fragrant.
  3. Cascade chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Enhance with dried herbal seasonings like basil and oregano, and optional spicy red pepper flakes. Allow liquid to gently simmer, melding flavors for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Stream heavy cream into the simmering soup, reestablishing a delicate bubbling temperature. Carefully fold tortellini into the liquid, cooking according to package recommendations – approximately 5-7 minutes for fresh pasta, 10-12 minutes for frozen varieties.
  5. Gently fold fresh leafy greens – spinach or kale – into the bubbling soup. Allow greens to wilt and integrate for 1-2 minutes. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to personal preference.
  6. Transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from sausage to reduce overall soup greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter flavor profile.
  • Choose Italian sausage with moderate spice level to balance the soup’s overall taste without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content, allowing individual seasoning preference during serving.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version, maintaining creamy texture while reducing caloric density.
  • Replace meat-based sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegan sausage or extra mushrooms for vegetarian adaptation.
  • Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving to enhance freshness and provide bright, aromatic finishing touch.
  • Select quick-cooking tortellini to prevent overcooking and maintain proper pasta texture within soup’s liquid environment.
  • Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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