Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with rich flavors. This cozy soup features savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a flavorful broth infused with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Fresh spinach or kale adds a nutritious touch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the depth of flavor. Quick to make and perfect for chilly nights, this one-pot meal is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 Ib Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves roughly chopped
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Create the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the soup. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (for a little heat). Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage and tortellini soup is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your meal rotation: Quick and easy: It’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare.Flavor-packed: The Italian sausage adds richness, while the cheese tortellini creates a creamy, indulgent texture.
One-pot meal: With protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish, you don’t need any side dishes to make it a complete meal.
Great for meal prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this satisfying, cheesy, and meaty soup.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality sausage – Opt for fresh Italian sausage from a butcher or a trusted brand for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini – Since tortellini is delicate, keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For a creamier soup – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- For extra depth of flavor – Add a splash of white wine while deglazing the pan after sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Make it spicier – Use hot Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations & Substitution
Love to tweak recipes to match your preferences? Here are some fun variations:- Vegetarian option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-carb version: Replace the tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
- More veggies: Add diced carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for a luscious texture.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free tortellini and skip the Parmesan topping.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Though this soup is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it further by serving it with:- Crusty bread or garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Side salad – A simple Caesar salad or arugula salad pairs well.
- Roasted vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for an added side.
- Wine pairing – A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.