There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup on a chilly evening. This cozy, hearty soup is packed with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato broth.

The first time I made this soup, I was looking for something quick yet satisfying for a weeknight dinner. It instantly became a family favorite, with everyone going back for seconds and asking for it again the next day.
Keep reading to discover why this soup is about to become your new favorite dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this simple yet hearty soup. Here’s why this Sausage Tortellini Soup will earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You’ll love that it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a one-pot cooking method, cleanup is a breeze too.
This soup is bursting with flavor. Thanks to spicy or mild Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano, each spoonful is a flavor explosion. Plus, the tender tortellini soaks up all the delicious broth, making it extra satisfying.
It’s a complete meal in one bowl. Loaded with protein from the sausage, carbs from the tortellini, and vitamins from the veggies, it’s a well-rounded dinner option that everyone will love.
Finally, the soup is super versatile. Whether you like it spicy, prefer extra veggies, or need a dairy-free option, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
If that doesn’t already have you craving a bowl, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this soup so irresistible.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in the combination of high-quality, simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each one is important.
Italian Sausage: This forms the flavor base of the soup. You can choose between mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference. The rendered fat from the sausage adds richness to the broth and infuses every bite with bold flavor.
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show, these little pasta pockets bring a delicious, creamy element to the soup. Fresh tortellini works best, but you can also use frozen tortellini – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the tomato base for the broth. I recommend using high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for a robust, rich flavor. You can also swap in diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are the aromatic base, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. Feel free to experiment with other veggies, like kale or zucchini, to make this soup even more nutritious.
Chicken Broth: Use a low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the seasoning. It blends perfectly with the tomatoes, creating a flavorful, well-rounded broth. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with vegetable broth and skip the sausage for a plant-based version.
You'll also need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, which makes this a convenient one-pot meal. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this soup.
How To Make This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating this hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your soup comes out perfect every time.
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Once it’s browned and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Next, sauté the aromatics. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to build flavor. Return the sausage to the pot, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach. The leaves will wilt almost immediately, adding a burst of color and nutrition.
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste. Serve piping hot, with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side. The entire cooking process takes around 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Storage Options
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for meal prep and leftovers, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a bit more broth or water when reheating.
Freezer: To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Note that the tortellini may get a bit soft upon thawing, so consider freezing the soup without the tortellini and adding it fresh when you reheat.
Reheating: Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add additional broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking.
Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a kick. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.
Add More Vegetables: Bulk up the soup by adding extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can even add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for added protein and fiber.
Swap the Greens: Not a fan of spinach? Use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula instead. Heartier greens may need a few extra minutes to cook, while delicate ones like arugula will wilt quickly.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free tortellini or use gluten-free pasta. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying without the traditional tortellini.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a boost of umami flavor.
No matter how you customize it, this soup is sure to warm you up and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich, comforting meal with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a medley of herbs and vegetables. It’s the ultimate one-pot recipe that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the tortellini and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- Substitute spinach with kale or add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1080mg
- Sodium: 1080mg
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