This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm and cozy dish filled with flavorful sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Making this soup is a breeze—you just throw everything together and let it simmer. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too, providing a lighter flavor.
Cheese Tortellini: I use refrigerated tortellini for convenience and great flavor. You can substitute with frozen tortellini if that’s what you have on hand. Just add extra cooking time as needed.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a lovely color and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale is a great substitute. You can also use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes give body to the soup. If you prefer fresh, feel free to chop up around 4 medium tomatoes, though it may require an extra simmer time to break down.
How Can I Make the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup?
One of the key steps is sautéing the sausage and vegetables. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Don’t rush this; letting the oil get hot ensures the sausage browns nicely.
- After browning the sausage, remove it but keep some of the drippings. This adds flavor to the onions and garlic.
- Cook the onions until they’re soft before adding garlic; this helps deepen their sweetness. Only add garlic for the last 30 seconds to avoid burning it, which can make it bitter.
- When you add broth and tomatoes, don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those tasty browned bits.
Following these tips will help you create a rich, flavorful soup that everyone will love!
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the crumbled sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. When done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot, leaving behind the delicious rendered fat. Set the sausage aside for later!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, toss the diced onion into the pot. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth along with the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil—you want to see those bubbles start to pop!
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Once boiling, add the tortellini and cooked sausage back into the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the tortellini are tender, roughly 4-5 minutes (or follow the package instructions for your specific tortellini).
5. Add the Spinach:
After the tortellini are tender, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, which should only take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the soup, adding a lovely creaminess.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and some chopped herbs if you like. Serve it hot alongside some crusty bread, and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish!
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only filling but absolutely delicious too, bringing warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for a leaner option. You can also use vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You can also add more grated Parmesan cheese for added richness!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove.
What Can I Substitute for Spinach?
If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard would be great alternatives. You can also use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
