Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Okay, friend, let’s talk soup! Specifically, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorites: Sausage and Tortellini Soup. Just saying it makes my mouth water. I have so many memories attached to this dish, mostly because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember one particularly chilly evening, I was scrambling to get dinner on the table after a particularly chaotic soccer practice. My youngest, Leo, was practically hanging off me, whining about being starving. I needed something quick, easy, and something everyone would eat without complaint (a rare trifecta, let me tell you!). That’s when I remembered a version of this soup my own nonna used to make.

I raided the fridge, threw together some Italian sausage, a package of cheese tortellini, some spinach, and a few pantry staples, and prayed for the best. Honestly, I was expecting some grumbles, but to my surprise, everyone devoured it! Even Leo, mid-whine, managed a “Mom, this is really good!” From that day on, Sausage and Tortellini Soup became a staple in our house. It’s now my go-to when I need something comforting and delicious, but don’t have a ton of time.

Of course, over the years, I’ve tweaked Nonna’s original recipe to make it my own. I’ve added a few little things, learned a few tricks (mostly the hard way!), and perfected the balance of flavors to create a Sausage and Tortellini Soup that’s truly special. There was that one time I accidentally used spicy sausage instead of mild – whoa! It was definitely…memorable. My kids drank gallons of milk that night! But even mishaps like that have helped me learn what works and what doesn’t. This is an easy sausage tortellini soup, I promise!

You know, cooking for me is all about finding joy in simple ingredients and sharing that joy with the people you love. And this Sausage and Tortellini Soup embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with love. It’s also a lifesaver when life gets hectic!

So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this Sausage and Tortellini Soup will become a family favorite in your house too. And if you’re in the mood for a veggie packed tortellini soup, you might enjoy this Tortellini Vegetable Soup recipe that’s also perfect for a quick dinner. Ready to give it a try?

What You’ll Need for This Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, this Sausage and Tortellini Soup uses pretty common things you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Here’s the list:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (I usually use mild, but spicy sausage tortellini soup is also delicious if you want a kick!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (I always use low-sodium so I can control the salt level)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen – both work great!)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but it makes it extra creamy!)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

I always use a good quality Italian sausage for my Sausage and Tortellini Soup because the flavor really shines through. If you can find it at your local butcher or Italian deli, even better! But honestly, the stuff from the grocery store works just fine too. When making Sausage and Tortellini Soup, you can usually find great deals on spinach at the farmer’s market.

Here’s a Sausage and Tortellini Soup trick I learned from my mom: if you’re using frozen tortellini, don’t thaw it beforehand! Just toss it straight into the soup. It cooks perfectly and doesn’t get mushy.

For busy families making Sausage and Tortellini Soup, here’s a great shortcut: pre-chopped onions and garlic! Seriously, it saves so much time. And if you have leftover spinach, just throw it in a ziplock bag in the fridge. It’ll last for a few days. For cost-saving tips for Sausage and Tortellini Soup ingredients, consider buying larger packages of Italian sausage when they’re on sale and freezing them for later. You can also grow your own herbs like basil and oregano to save money on dried Italian seasoning.

Let’s Make This Sausage and Tortellini Soup Together

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise, this Sausage and Tortellini Soup is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup in no time.

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if your Sausage and Tortellini Soup base looks a little greasy – we’ll drain off the excess fat in the next step.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot. I usually tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, leaving the sausage behind.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Your Sausage and Tortellini Soup should smell amazing at this point! This is where the magic starts to happen.
4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Simmer and Develop Flavor: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I learned the hard way with Sausage and Tortellini Soup that this step is crucial for a richer, more flavorful soup!
6. Add the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. While the Sausage and Tortellini Soup is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or set the table. Multitasking is key!
7. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. I like to add the spinach at the very end so it stays nice and vibrant.
8. Stir in Cream (Optional): If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in during the last minute of cooking. It adds a lovely richness and creaminess to the soup. This is what gives it that creamy sausage tortellini soup vibe.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste. In my kitchen, Sausage and Tortellini Soup usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Sausage and Tortellini Soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

And that’s it! Easy peasy, right? Don’t worry if your **Sausage and Tortellini Soup** looks a little different from mine – every pot of soup is unique!

How I Love to Serve This Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Sausage and Tortellini Soup, now what? Well, let me tell you how we love to enjoy it in my house.

My family loves this Sausage and Tortellini Soup when I serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. There’s just something so satisfying about soaking up all that flavorful broth with a piece of warm bread. We also love it with a simple side salad, like a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is perfect for a chilly weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a cozy Sunday lunch. If you are looking for a One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup then give this recipe a try.

For presentation, I like to ladle the soup into bowls and then sprinkle it with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. I might also add a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto for extra flavor and visual appeal. If you have extra **Sausage and Tortellini Soup**, it keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Friends always ask for this **Sausage and Tortellini Soup** recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s just that good! I also think it’s great with a glass of Chianti or other light Italian red wine. I love that it’s a versatile dish, I’ve tried so many variations.

If you’re looking for other soup options that are just as satisfying and easy, be sure to check out my Sausage Sweet Potato and Kale Soup recipe! You could even customize this soup with different greens, like kale.

Your Sausage and Tortellini Soup Questions Answered

I get so many questions about this recipe, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones here.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage in my Sausage and Tortellini Soup?

A: You can, but honestly, the Italian sausage is what gives this Sausage and Tortellini Soup its signature flavor. If you do use ground beef, I recommend adding a little extra Italian seasoning to compensate. I’ve done it in a pinch, and it’s still good, just not quite the same.

Q: Can I freeze Sausage and Tortellini Soup?

A: You can freeze the soup, but the tortellini might get a little mushy when you thaw it. I recommend freezing the soup before adding the tortellini. Then, when you’re ready to serve it, just thaw the soup and add the tortellini according to the recipe instructions.

Q: Can I make this Sausage and Tortellini Soup in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except the spinach and cream), and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the spinach and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You know what I do when my Sausage and Tortellini Soup is in the slow cooker? I go do all the laundry!

Q: My Sausage and Tortellini Soup is too thick. What should I do?

A: Just add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of water if you don’t have any more broth on hand.

Q: My Sausage and Tortellini Soup is too bland. How can I add more flavor?

A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also add more Italian seasoning or garlic powder. My family loves a little extra Parmesan cheese, too. For another flavor enhancer, check out this recipe for Creamy Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup.

Q: Can I make this Sausage and Tortellini Soup vegetarian?

A: You can! Just substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious. You can also add other veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini to give it more flavor. This would make a delicious vegetable tortellini soup as well!

Q: What kind of tortellini is best for this Sausage and Tortellini Soup?

A: I usually use cheese tortellini, but you can use any kind you like! Spinach and ricotta tortellini, meat tortellini, or even mushroom tortellini would all be delicious. It’s really up to personal preference. Or make it a sausage spinach tortellini soup!

My Final Thoughts on This Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This Sausage and Tortellini Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple pleasures and family time. It’s a dish that’s always there for me, no matter what. I hope you enjoy this as an easy sausage tortellini soup recipe. You can also compare this Sausage Tortellini Soup to this recipe.

Here are a few of my Sausage and Tortellini Soup Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the tortellini! Nobody likes mushy tortellini.
• Use good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as you go.

Here are a few Sausage and Tortellini Soup variations I’ve tried with my family:

• Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup: Add extra spinach or other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
• Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, but still creamy, soup.

My youngest, Leo, loves the spicy version, while my husband prefers the creamy version. I personally love the classic recipe just as it is.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. Don’t be afraid to tweak this Sausage and Tortellini Soup recipe to make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, use different types of cheese, or experiment with different spices.

I hope you have as much fun making this Sausage and Tortellini Soup as I do. And I hope it brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. I really hope you try this easy sausage tortellini soup! You can also check out these recipes from others, like this Sausage Tortellini Soup. What about another fall favorite, Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup? Happy cooking!

Sausage and Tortellini Soup

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This hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a chilly evening. Packed with savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and tender vegetables in a rich broth, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Liliana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 9 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the cheese tortellini to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1 minute.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini.