Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

When I think of comfort food, creamy sausage tortellini soup is always at the top of my list. Perfect for chilly winter days or warm summer nights alike. Not only does this easy recipe come together quickly, but it also requires just one pot! 

This creamy tortellini soup recipe requires just pantry staples like tomato paste, frozen cheese tortellini, and Italian sausage to create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stovetop all day. 

Imagine settling down with a bowl of this cheese tortellini soup with sausage, the aroma filling your kitchen, promising a taste of home-cooked goodness.

And for those with a family to feed, this recipe is a godsend. The velvety texture and rich taste make it a hit among kids and adults alike. Even if you have picky eaters at home, they’ll find it hard to resist the allure of this creamy delight.

What Is Sausage Tortellini Soup?

This sausage tortellini soup is an Italian-inspired recipe that combines flavorful sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy and thick broth.

 No wonder it has become one of my go-to comfort food recipes!

I add crunchy vegetables like carrots, onions, or celery to the mix for texture.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this creamy sausage tortellini soup is easy to make without any cooking skills.

As it simmers away, it releases heartwarming aromas that will have the whole household eagerly awaiting mealtime. I mean, made from simple ingredients and a quick prep time, who wouldn’t love this classic Italian dish?

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

1. Perfect for meal prep. You can make this tortellini soup in advance and serve it during a busy week.
2. Easy to make. What’s not to love about a comforting soup recipe that requires only a couple of minutes of prep?
3. Made from easy ingredients. This easy sausage tortellini soup calls for a few easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
4. It’s a versatile recipe. This comfort food recipe is perfect for any occasion, like a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep on a busy day.
5. One-Pot recipe. This soup is made using only one pot, which means minimal cleanup! So you save time and effort on washing dishes, and it’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
6. Customizable recipe. While this recipe is delicious, you can also play with the ingredients and seasonings according to your preferences.
7. A crowd-pleaser recipe. This sausage tortellini soup is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy and love, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply cooking for your family.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Before starting to make this easy sausage tortellini soup, we need to ensure we have all the ingredients and equipment we’ll need. So here is a complete list of the ingredients and eventual substitutions you can make. 

So what are you waiting for? Grab your shopping list and start making the best tortellini soup.

• Italian Sausage – I usually opt for mild Italian sausage as it adds robust flavor and just enough spice without overwhelming my dish. If you prefer, turkey sausage or chicken sausage are great alternatives.
• Cheese Tortellini – Look for fresh cheese tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If unavailable, frozen tortellini can also be used.
• Vegetables –  I love adding vegetables such as onions, carrots, and kale or spinach for added nutrition.
• Garlic – This recipe uses fresh minced garlic to enhance this soup’s intense garlicky flavor. You can use garlic powder as well.
• Italian seasoning – This blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary is the key to infusing the tortellini soup with authentic Italian flavors.
• Flour – Use all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
• Chicken broth – My choice is low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Tomato paste – This ingredient deepens the flavor profile, imparting a rich tomato essence to the broth.
• Heavy cream – Heavy cream is used in this sausage tortellini soup to add richness, creaminess, and a luxurious texture to the soup broth.

How to Make Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making the soup base is surprisingly easy and can be done in just a few steps.

Brown the Sausage

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Break it apart as it cooks. Once fully browned with no pink remaining, drain any excess fat.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. These aromatic vegetables are the backbone of countless dishes, providing a depth of flavor. 

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent, a cue they’ve released their sweetness. Now, add the chopped carrots. Their natural sugars will caramelize slightly, adding another layer of taste. 

Make it Thick 

The magic of thickening begins here. By sprinkling flour evenly over your sausage and vegetable mixture and stirring well, you’re crafting a roux.

This mixture of fat and flour acts as a thickening agent, giving the tortellini spinach sausage soup its signature hearty consistency. A brief simmer allows the floury taste to cook off.

Adding Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth next. Using the liquid to scrape any bits off the pot’s bottom prevents sticking and integrates those caramelized flavors into the soup. When you stir in the tomato paste, you deepen the color and add a tangy richness.

 Cooking the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini, followed by the heavy cream, and watch your soup become a creamy delight. Make sure you simmer them gently to maintain their shape and texture. 

Check the package’s cooking time to ensure the tortellini remains tender, not mushy.

Final Touches

When the tortellini are cooked, toss in the spinach. Stir until the spinach gets soft. Taste your soup and add salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Tips and Variations

• Add more protein: If you find yourself needing more protein in the soup, feel free to add shredded chicken or chickpeas towards the end of cooking time.
• Is the soup too thick? Add more liquid, such as broth or water, and stir until it reaches the desired consistency. 
• Brown the sausage. Don’t skip this step since it gives the soup a rich flavor. While browning the sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces for even cooking.
• Replace the spinach. Feel free to use fresh kale instead of spinach.
• For a vegetarian version of this soup, leave out the sausage and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables. Make sure not to simmer for too long the vegetables, since they will get mushy. Cook them until they have a bit of crunch.
• Feel free to replace the heavy cream with half and half or coconut cream for a lighter version.

How To Store?

• Fridge: After you’ve let the soup cool down, transfer it to a container with a tight-sealing lid. Keep it in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to 5 days. This is perfect for enjoying the soup or sharing it with family throughout the workweek.
• Meal prep:  You can make a larger batch of sausage tortellini soup by doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure you’ll have plenty of servings to portion out for multiple meals. Then label each container with the date and contents and enjoy it anytime you are having a busy day.
• Freeze: This sausage tortellini soup also freezes well. Before you stash it away in the freezer, ensure the soup has completely cooled. Use freezer-friendly containers to store it, and it will keep well for about 4 months.
• Reheat: You can reheat any leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Stir occasionally while reheating the soup to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Serving Ideas For This Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Garlic Bread: You can serve this creamy sausage and tortellini soup with some warm garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and adds a deliciously crunchy element.
• Toast some baguette slices, then top them with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to create a delicious side dish that adds freshness and tang.
• Focaccia. Make your favorite focaccia bread and enjoy it warm alongside the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can The Soup Be Made In A Slow Cooker?

Sure, this cheese tortellini soup can be made in a slow cooker. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, then drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, add the ingredients, and stir well to combine.
3. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for 6-8 hours or until the sausage and vegetables are tender. 
4. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the tortellini to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as desired. 
6. Serve and Enjoy.

Can I Make This Recipe With Frozen Tortellini?

Sure, add the frozen tortellini to the soup during the simmering process, and adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

Can I Use Other Type Of Pasta Instead Of Tortellini?

Absolutely! The beauty of soup recipes is their versatility. If you don’t have tortellini on hand or if you simply want to try something different, you can definitely use other types of pasta. Here’s a quick guide:

• Cheese-filled Ravioli: Much like tortellini, ravioli is stuffed pasta and will work wonderfully. They are bigger, so they’ll make the soup even heartier.
• Gnocchi: These small, soft dough dumplings can be a great addition. They are soft and will absorb the flavors of the soup. However, they can get mushy if left in the soup for too long, so consider adding them closer to the end of the cooking time.
• Small Pasta Shapes: Pasta like elbow macaroni, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or shells can also be a good fit. They might not offer the same filled experience as tortellini, but they will still make the soup filling and delicious. If you’re using smaller pasta shapes, just be mindful of their cooking times, which can be shorter than tortellini.
• Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta can give the soup a different texture and would work well with the creamy broth.
• Penne or Rotini: If you prefer larger pasta, you can use these, but they might require a bit more cooking time.

Can I Make A Gluten-Free Version Of This Soup?

Definitely, you can make this Italian Sausage Tortellini soup gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini or replacing them with gluten-free pasta. Also, you may need to check the labels of all the ingredients you use, including the sausage, broth, and any other packaged products, to ensure they are gluten-free.