Best Sausage Tortellini Soup

Introduction

Best Sausage Tortellini Soup is rich, cozy, and irresistibly comforting—savory Italian sausage simmered in a flavorful broth with tender cheese tortellini, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Creamy without being heavy, this one-pot soup delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or make-ahead lunches, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• One-pot, easy cleanup
• Hearty and filling with pasta and sausage
• Creamy yet balanced
• Ready in about 35 minutes

• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 10–12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional garnish: grated Parmesan, fresh basil

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife + cutting board
• Ladle

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Brown the sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

2. Sauté the aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add onion to the pot and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Bloom the spices

Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir 20–30 seconds to release their aroma without burning.

4. Build the base

Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

6. Add the cream

Stir in heavy cream and return to a gentle simmer. Do not boil to prevent curdling.

7. Cook the tortellini

Add tortellini and simmer 5–7 minutes (or per package) until tender and floating.

8. Add greens

Stir in spinach or kale and cook 1–2 minutes until just wilted.

9. Taste and adjust

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the heat with more red pepper flakes if desired.

10. Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Mistakes to avoid

• Boiling after adding cream — broken texture
• Overcooking tortellini — mushy pasta
• Skipping browning — less flavor
• Under-seasoning — flat soup
• Adding greens too early — dull color

Variations of Best Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Tomato-Based — skip cream for a lighter broth
• Chicken Sausage — leaner option
• Extra Veggies — add carrots or zucchini
• Spicy — use hot Italian sausage
• Dairy-Free — use coconut milk (unsweetened)

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Soup thickens as it sits—add broth when reheating
• For the best texture, cook tortellini fresh when possible

• Reheat gently over low heat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes—add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time.

Does this soup freeze well?
Cream and pasta don’t freeze ideally; freeze without tortellini and cream if needed.

What greens work best?
Spinach for mild flavor; kale for heartier texture.

Can I make it spicier?
Use hot sausage or add chili flakes.

Conclusion

Best Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers cozy comfort with bold Italian flavor in a single pot. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s a soup that satisfies every time—perfect for weeknights, leftovers, and sharing.