When the weather cools down and you’re craving something warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying, Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup becomes one of those recipes you’ll make again and again. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly flavorful thanks to the savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini that soak up every drop of broth. This soup tastes like a comforting hug in a bowl perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cooking, or easy meal prep. With simple ingredients, one pot, and classic Italian flavors, this recipe proves that delicious homemade soup doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s truly the ultimate comfort soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: Balanced flavors, tender tortellini, and savory broth appeal to all ages.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Easy cleanup and straightforward steps make this perfect for weeknight dinners.
- High-Protein & Satisfying: Italian sausage keeps the soup hearty while tortellini adds richness.
- Customizable: Swap veggies, use spicy sausage, or add cream it adapts to your style.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Flavors deepen after a day, making leftovers incredibly delicious.
- Comfort in Every Spoon: Warm, cheesy, savory it hits every comfort craving.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy version
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Cook sausage until browned and crumbled.
- Add vegetables: Stir in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Add tortellini: Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until tortellini softens.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale and let wilt.
- Optional cream: Add heavy cream for a richer, creamy Italian sausage soup.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan.
How to Serve
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or focaccia.
- Add fresh basil or grated parmesan on top.
- Pair with Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve alongside your other comforting soups.
Additional Tips
- For extra richness: Stir in a pat of butter before serving.
- Low-sodium broth: Helps balance the saltiness from sausage.
- Prevent mushy tortellini: Add it right before serving.
- Low-carb: Skip tortellini and add cauliflower florets.
- Add heat: Use spicy Italian sausage + extra red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations
1. Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Swap tortellini for cauliflower and omit tomatoes. Add cream for richness.
2. Creamy Tuscan Sausage Tortellini Soup
Add sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan for a Tuscan-inspired version.
3. Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Use hot Italian sausage and add spicy marinara or Calabrian chili.
4. Vegetable-Loaded Tortellini Soup
Add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for a nutrient boost.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store 3-4 days in airtight containers.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without tortellini to avoid mushiness.
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove; add a splash of broth if thickened.
Special Equipment
• Dutch Oven: Even heat for soup base
• Wooden Spoon: Stirring sausage and veggies
• Measuring Cups: Accurate ingredients
• Chef’s Knife: Vegetable prep
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, add ½–1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy version.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely. Just add a few extra minutes of cook time.
3. Can I make this low-carb?
Replace tortellini with cauliflower or zucchini.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Brown sausage first, then cook on LOW 6 hours; add tortellini in the last 20 minutes.
5. Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, it’s a lighter, equally delicious alternative.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect balance of hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy. With simple ingredients and classic Italian comfort, it’s a soup you’ll crave all season long. Whether you keep it traditional, make it creamy, or add fresh vegetables, each bowl delivers warmth, texture, and satisfying richness.