If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant veggies like butternut squash and spinach, this soup delivers a beautiful balance of hearty flavors and fresh textures. It comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a go-to for cozy weekends. Trust me, once you try this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, it’ll become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, satisfying flavor and perfect texture that makes this soup shine. From the spicy sausage to the earthy butternut squash, every component brings something special to the pot.
- Vegetable oil: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables without overpowering the flavors.
- Ground Italian sausage: The star protein that adds savory depth and a touch of spice.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and color while softening to a gentle bite.
- Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
- Onion: Builds the flavor foundation with its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Butternut squash: Adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and a rich tomato base for the broth.
- Chicken broth: The soup’s liquid heart, delivering savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Thyme: A classic herb that layers gentle earthiness throughout the soup.
- Oregano: Adds a hint of Mediterranean flair that brightens the dish.
- Pepper: Offers just enough warmth to tie all the flavors together.
- Tortellini: The comforting pasta that’s tender and perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh finish, wilting into the broth beautifully.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned with crispy edges. Breaking it up as it cooks helps the sausage distribute evenly throughout the soup, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Next, toss in the carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and cubed butternut squash. Sauté these for 3 to 5 minutes until they start to soften and release their enticing aromas. This step ensures the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape once simmered.
Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, and sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, and pepper. Stir everything well, then bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and deepen.
Step 4: Cook the tortellini
Now it’s time for the tortellini. Add the entire bag to the simmering soup and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the pasta is tender and perfectly plump. This step is crucial because the tortellini soak up the savory broth, making each bite delightfully flavorful.
Step 5: Wilt the spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt gently right in the warm broth, which brightens the soup with a fresh, vibrant touch and packs in those healthy greens effortlessly.
Step 6: Serve it up
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This simple addition adds an extra layer of richness and color that makes your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe feel extra special and inviting.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley brings that lovely finishing touch to your soup. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a delightful layer of flavor and visual appeal, turning a simple bowlful into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping and savoring every last bit of broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing the meal perfectly and making it feel well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy presentation that’s sure to impress family or guests. Adding a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream on top can take your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe to an unexpected and delicious new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this comforting soup, you’ll love that it stores beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes well, though the tortellini may soften a bit. For best results, freeze without the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating. Freeze cooled soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add fresh tortellini during reheating to keep the pasta from becoming mushy and maintain that perfect texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to use mild, spicy, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Each type will bring a unique twist to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The tortellini and veggies will still make it rich and satisfying.
What kind of tortellini works best in this soup?
Cheese-filled tortellini is a great choice for a creamy texture, but meat-filled or spinach-filled tortellini works just as well. Choose your favorite to tailor the soup to your taste.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
Why does the spinach go in at the end?
Spinach wilts very quickly and adding it at the end preserves its bright color and delicate texture. Cooking it too long can make it mushy and dull in flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like coming home. It’s simple to make yet deeply satisfying, with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, I promise this soup will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini in a flavorful broth, perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days. The addition of butternut squash and spinach adds a nutritious boost, making this soup both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp pepper
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (9 oz) bag tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups spinach
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns and develops crispy edges.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in thyme, oregano, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach. Allow it to wilt in the warm broth for a few minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a cozy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used; just thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
