Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly rich and satisfying Sausage Tortellini Soup, perfect for those chilly evenings when only comfort food will do.
If you adore the comforting flavors of this Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll also love exploring other heartwarming options like this Chicken Tortellini Soup for a lighter protein choice, or this luxurious Creamy Tortellini Soup for an extra indulgence.
While I generally prefer the sunshine and warmth of summer, there’s one delightful aspect of cooler weather that always brings a smile to my face: it’s officially soup season! Nothing quite compares to the simple pleasure of a piping hot bowl of soup on a crisp evening. It’s an embrace in edible form, a culinary hug that instantly makes you feel cozy and content.
Even though I’m happy to enjoy a bowl of soup any time of year, regardless of the thermometer’s reading, there’s an undeniable magic in serving a steaming pot of homemade goodness when the temperatures outside take a dip. Especially when paired with a generous slice of crusty homemade bread, a bowl of soup becomes more than just a meal; it becomes an experience. This is that unique instance where food doesn’t just nourish, but truly uplifts your spirits.
This Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe is specifically crafted to be the ultimate comfort food for cooler weather. It masterfully combines robust flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a complete meal in one pot. You’ll find an abundance of fresh vegetables, including tender zucchini, sweet carrots, and healthy spinach, adding vibrant color and essential nutrients. The addition of cheesy tortellini transforms this soup into a substantial and satisfying main course, eliminating the need for extra side dishes. However, for me, the undeniable star of this culinary show is the flavorful Italian sausage, which infuses the entire broth with its rich, savory essence.
While this delightful soup does require a little simmering time to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully, the actual hands-on preparation is remarkably minimal. This makes it an ideal candidate for those bustling weeknights when life feels a bit chaotic, and dinner schedules are unpredictable. You can easily get it started on the stove, let it simmer, and have a delicious, ready-to-serve meal waiting whenever everyone is finally able to gather around the table. It’s a true savior for busy families, offering a warm and nutritious meal with minimal fuss.
The Irresistible Appeal of Sausage Tortellini Soup
What makes this Sausage Tortellini Soup so incredibly appealing? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that satisfies on every level. The rich, seasoned Italian sausage provides a robust foundation, complemented by the delicate, cheese-filled tortellini that plump up deliciously in the broth. Fresh vegetables add a wholesome component, balancing the richness with their natural sweetness and earthy notes. The aromatic broth, simmered to perfection, ties everything together into a cohesive, deeply flavorful dish.
Beyond its deliciousness, this soup is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level of the sausage, swap out vegetables based on what’s in season, or even experiment with different types of tortellini. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to your preferences, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
Mastering Your Sausage Tortellini Soup: Tips for Success
Creating the perfect bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup is simple, especially with a few expert tips. The key to deep flavor begins with properly browning your sausage. Don’t rush this step; allowing the sausage to develop a rich, golden crust contributes significantly to the overall taste of the soup. Once browned, the fond (the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot) will be deglazed by the broth, adding layers of complexity.
Another crucial element is the fresh tortellini. While dried tortellini can be used, fresh tortellini cooks faster and offers a softer, more delightful texture. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; it only needs about 8-10 minutes to become al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, detracting from the soup’s texture. Adding the spinach towards the very end ensures it wilts perfectly without becoming overly soft or losing its vibrant green color.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful Sausage Tortellini Soup that will become a family favorite:
- Brown the Sausage: Begin by placing your Italian sausage in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s evenly browned and thoroughly cooked through. This crucial step develops a rich flavor base for your soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess fat from the pot, leaving behind just enough to sauté the vegetables. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and softened, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the drained diced tomatoes, thinly sliced carrots, fresh minced basil, dried oregano, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the carrots.
- Add Zucchini and Tortellini: After 30 minutes, add the sliced zucchini to the pot. Cover again and continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the zucchini to become tender. Finally, stir in the fresh tortellini and fresh spinach. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tortellini is soft and cooked through, and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch of flavor, generously top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations and Substitutions for Your Tortellini Soup
One of the best things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is how adaptable it is. Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, kale, or diced celery would all be delicious additions. Add harder vegetables (like bell peppers or celery) with the carrots, and softer greens (like kale) with the spinach.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the oregano.
- Change the Protein: While Italian sausage is fantastic, you could also use ground chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Season well if using unseasoned ground meat.
- Different Tortellini: Experiment with different tortellini fillings, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom tortellini, to change the flavor profile slightly.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A rustic loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Don’t forget the fresh Parmesan cheese for serving – it adds a delightful salty, umami finish.
Leftovers of this soup are equally delicious, and often, the flavors deepen overnight. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water, as the tortellini can absorb some of the liquid as it sits. This soup is also freezer-friendly, though the tortellini may become a bit softer after thawing and reheating. If freezing, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it upon reheating for best texture.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Try
If you’re a soup enthusiast like me, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious recipes to add to your rotation:
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A rich and flavorful Southwestern-inspired soup.
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup: A smooth and spiced vegetarian option.
- Classic Minestrone: A traditional Italian vegetable and pasta soup.
- Hearty French Onion Soup: A timeless classic with savory broth and cheesy bread.
- New England Chicken Corn Chowder: A creamy and satisfying chowder, perfect for seafood lovers.
- Crockpot Potato Soup: An easy, creamy, and comforting potato soup.
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week! Find more culinary inspiration and family-friendly ideas by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini
- 8 oz fresh tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- freshly grated parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 12 oz. Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Add in the 1 cup chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic and cook until softened, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the 5 cups chicken broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup thinly sliced carrots, 2 tablespoon minced fresh basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add the 1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini and cover the pot. Cook for an additional 20 minutes. Uncover and add the 8 oz fresh tortellini and 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook for 10 minutes or until the tortellini is soft. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 523 kcal (26%)
Carbohydrates: 37g (12%)
Protein: 29g (58%)
Fat: 25g (38%)
Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 89mg (30%)
Sodium: 1147mg (50%)
Fiber: 6g (25%)
Sugar: 12g (13%)