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Get ready for a warm and cozy delight with this Sausage Tortellini Soup! I’ll guide you through each step to make this hearty dish a family favorite. Packed with flavor and easy to customize, this soup is perfect for any night. Whether you want to add some spice or keep it classic, you’ll find tips and tricks to make it just right. Let’s dive in and create something delicious together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients, such as switching up the sausage type or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste.
- Deliciously Savory: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and cheese tortellini creates a rich, flavorful experience in every bowl.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
To make a warm bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup, you need key items:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
These ingredients create a rich and tasty soup that warms your soul.
Optional Add-ins
You can make this soup even better with some add-ins:
– Chopped kale or Swiss chard for more greens
– Red pepper flakes for extra heat
– Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness
– A splash of lemon juice for zing
These options let you customize your soup to fit your taste.
Suggested Substitutions
If you need to swap some items, here are great choices:
– Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option
– Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you want a vegetarian soup
– Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available
– Try mini tortellini or even gnocchi as a fun twist
These substitutions keep the soup flavorful while accommodating your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
First, grab a large pot. Add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Next, add the Italian sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. It should brown nicely.
Cooking the Vegetables
Now, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir these veggies into the sausage. Sauté them for another 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften up. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. This will make your kitchen smell great!
Adding the Broth and Tortellini
Pour in the chicken broth. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget those juices! Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. After that, add the tortellini. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. In the last minute, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To boost the flavor of your sausage tortellini soup, start with good sausage. Choose mild or spicy based on your taste. Sauté the sausage well to get nice browning. This step brings out rich flavors. Adding fresh herbs can also help. Try some thyme or parsley for extra depth. Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Perfecting the Texture
The texture of your soup is key. Use fresh tortellini for the best bite. Cook it just until tender. Overcooking can make it mushy. Adding spinach last keeps it bright and fresh. You want it to wilt but not lose its color. For a thicker soup, consider adding a little more tortellini or even a small amount of cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your soup in deep bowls for a cozy meal. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs well with the soup. Fresh spinach leaves on top look nice too. Pair your soup with crusty bread for dipping. This makes every bite enjoyable.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for a vibrant taste and texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, choose mild Italian sausage, or remove the casing from spicy sausage and mix it with ground turkey or chicken for a balanced flavor.
- Perfect Tortellini Cooking: To prevent overcooking, add the tortellini to the soup only during the last few minutes of cooking. This ensures they remain firm and don’t become mushy.
- Enhance with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a Parmesan rind to the simmering soup. It will infuse a rich, cheesy taste throughout the broth.

Variations
Vegetarian Option
To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage. Use a mix of mushrooms and lentils instead. These add great texture and protein. For the broth, use vegetable broth. This keeps the soup hearty and satisfying. Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor. You can still use tortellini, just choose cheese or spinach tortellini for the best taste.
Spicy Version
If you love heat, choose spicy Italian sausage. It adds a nice kick. You can also add red pepper flakes to the soup. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. For more spice, include jalapeños or hot sauce. These options make the soup warming and exciting. The flavors come together well and make your taste buds dance.
Low-Carb Modification
For a low-carb soup, replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower. Both options keep the dish light. You might also reduce the carrots and use more spinach. This adds nutrients without adding too many carbs. Use a low-sodium broth to keep it healthy. You can still enjoy the rich flavors without the extra carbs. This version is great for those watching their carb intake.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
You can store your sausage tortellini soup in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three to four days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label the bags with the date.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems thick. Enjoy your warm and cozy delight!
FAQs
Can I use homemade broth?
Yes, you can use homemade broth. It adds great flavor to the soup. If you have some on hand, feel free to use it. Just make sure it is not too salty. Homemade broth can make your soup taste even better.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months.
What sides pair well with Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Some great sides include crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty treat. Both options work well to soak up the soup.
This blog post covered the key parts to make a great Sausage Tortellini Soup. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and how to enhance flavor. I shared tips for texture and serving ideas. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage tips.
In conclusion, you can make this soup your own. Try different add-ins or swaps. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup
A comforting and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, tortellini, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
In the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Serve with crusty bread and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Keyword comfort food, hearty, sausage, soup, tortellini
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