Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Remember those rainy days as a child, when you knew something special was being cooked in the kitchen? For me, that was always soup, especially my grandma’s version of Tortellini Soup with Sausage. I can almost smell it now – the savory aroma of Italian sausage mingling with simmering broth. My first attempt at making Tortellini Soup with Sausage? Let’s just say it was a learning experience! The sausage was bland, the broth watery, and the tortellini mushy, a far cry from my grandma’s masterpiece. But I was determined to recreate that memory, tweaking and testing until I got it right.

After several tries (and apologies for less-than-stellar dinners!), I finally cracked the code. Now, this Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a family staple. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for a weekend gathering. With a busy schedule, I love its simplicity. Sometimes, I prep the vegetables and sausage in the morning, so dinnertime is a breeze. My kids adore it, and honestly, it’s my comfort food too. It reminds me of rainy days with my grandma, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug. The Italian sausage tortellini soup is always a hit, even with my picky eaters!

For another take on this classic, check out this recipe from The Cozy Cook.

I think the key to a truly great Tortellini Soup with Sausage is using quality ingredients and experimenting with flavors. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time – trust me, I’ve been there! Cooking should be fun and fulfilling, so grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together. I’m sure you’re going to love this Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe!

What You’ll Need for This Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe is all about simple, fresh flavors, so quality really does matter. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage: I use sweet Italian sausage for my Tortellini Soup with Sausage, but spicy Italian sausage works well too if you like a kick. Adjust the red pepper flakes accordingly!
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps brown the sausage and adds a little richness to the soup.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Don’t skip the onion! It adds a depth of flavor that’s essential to this Tortellini Soup with Sausage.
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Adds sweetness and color.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery gives a lovely savory note to the soup.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
  • 8 cups chicken broth: I prefer low-sodium, so I can control the salt level.
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and body.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A must for that classic Italian flavor!
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking!
  • 1 (9-12 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: You can use fresh or dried, but I find the refrigerated ones hold their shape best.
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional): This is how you make it a creamy tortellini soup sausage! It adds a luxurious touch.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Raw ingredients for tortellini soup with sausage including Italian sausage, tortellini, and fresh vegetables.

When making Tortellini Soup with Sausage, you can usually find good quality Italian sausage at your local butcher or in the meat section of your grocery store. Here’s a Tortellini Soup with Sausage trick I learned: If you can’t find loose sausage, you can buy sausage links and remove the casings. For the cheese tortellini, I usually opt for the refrigerated kind found in the dairy section. They cook quickly and have a nice, soft texture.

To save time, I often chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes it super easy to throw everything together when I’m ready to start cooking my easy tortellini soup sausage. A cost-saving tip for Tortellini Soup with Sausage ingredients is to buy a large container of Italian seasoning instead of individual packets; it’s much more economical.

If you have leftover Italian sausage, you can freeze it for later use. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. If you are looking for another simple weeknight recipe, you will love my Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells! But now, let’s get back to our delicious Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe!

Let’s Make This Tortellini Soup with Sausage Together

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Making this Tortellini Soup with Sausage is easier than you might think. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting bowl of soup in no time.

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Burning the garlic will ruin the whole batch, so keep a close eye on it!
  3. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer. This is where the sausage and tortellini soup recipe really starts to come together.
  4. Simmer the soup: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. In my kitchen, Tortellini Soup with Sausage usually takes about 20 minutes to reach that perfect level of flavor.
  5. Add the tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, or they’ll become mushy. This step is crucial for the Italian sausage tortellini soup.
  6. Add the cream (optional): If you’re making creamy tortellini soup sausage, stir in the heavy cream during the last minute of cooking. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
  7. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Your Tortellini Soup with Sausage should smell like savory sausage, herbs, and warm broth. It’s a truly comforting aroma.

While the Tortellini Soup with Sausage is cooking, I usually like to tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a quick phone call. A family-tested Tortellini Soup with Sausage shortcut is to use pre-chopped vegetables; it saves time, especially on busy weeknights.

This recipe for Tortellini Soup with Sausage from The Kitchn also provides valuable information.

How I Love to Serve This Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Tortellini Soup with Sausage – congratulations! Now, let’s talk about how to serve it to make it a truly memorable meal. My family loves this Tortellini Soup with Sausage with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Soaking up that flavorful broth makes the experience even better.

My go-to side dishes are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a grilled cheese sandwich. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, while the grilled cheese is pure comfort food. For a quick and easy meal, nothing beats my Tortellini Soup with Sausage, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, casual weekend lunch, or potluck gathering.

For presentation, I like to ladle the Tortellini Soup with Sausage into bowls and garnish it with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. If I’m feeling fancy, I might add a dollop of ricotta or Parmesan cheese. Extra Tortellini Soup with Sausage is even better the next day, with flavors melded together. You can also freeze the soup, just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

I like to make this Tortellini Soup with Sausage year-round, but it’s especially comforting during colder months. In the fall, I sometimes add nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. In the summer, I use fresh basil instead of parsley for a brighter taste.

Friends always ask for this Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe whenever I make it for a gathering; it’s become a signature dish, and I’m happy to share it. Because, good food is meant to be shared! For another recipe similar to this, check out this Spicy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup – Saturday Dinners with Ang.

Your Tortellini Soup with Sausage Questions Answered

I get so many questions about this Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe, so I thought I’d address some of the most common ones here.

  • Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can! Just add them to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. They might need a little extra time to cook through, so keep an eye on them. You know what I do when my Tortellini Soup with Sausage features frozen tortellini? I make sure to add them at the very end to keep them from getting soggy.
  • Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
  • What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? No problem! You can make your own by combining equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will work in a pinch.
  • Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Feel free to get creative and add any vegetables you like. Some good options include bell peppers, mushrooms, and kale. I’ve added chopped spinach to the Tortellini Soup with Sausage at the very end for a boost of nutrients.
  • My soup is too thick! What do I do? Simply add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • My soup is too bland! How can I fix it? Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten up the flavor. I’ve definitely been there with Tortellini Soup with Sausage, so don’t worry!
  • Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I have had great success with my easy tortellini soup sausage the next day.

One mistake I made when making this Tortellini Soup with Sausage was using too much salt. I’ve learned to always start with a small amount and then add more to taste. My family prefers this Tortellini Soup with Sausage with a little extra red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Some blog readers add a dollop of pesto to their Tortellini Soup with Sausage for added flavor. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love!

My Final Thoughts on This Tortellini Soup with Sausage

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of my childhood and the comforting meals my grandma used to make. It’s a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone in my family loves.

  • My Tortellini Soup with Sausage Pro Tips:
    • Use good quality sausage: It makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
    • Don’t overcook the tortellini: They’ll become mushy.
    • Season to taste: Salt and pepper are your friends!

Over the years, I’ve experimented with several Tortellini Soup with Sausage variations. One of my favorites is adding a can of cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber. I’ve also tried using different types of sausage, like chorizo or chicken sausage, for a unique twist. My kids love it when I add a handful of spinach or kale to the soup for a boost of nutrients. My husband, on the other hand, prefers his Tortellini Soup with Sausage with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

If your looking for another soup recipe, you might like my Tortellini Vegetable Soup.

Finished tortellini soup with sausage on a stove, garnished with fresh parsley.

I hope this Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find what you love. Remember, cooking should be fun and fulfilling, so relax, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. I hope you enjoy your Tortellini Soup with Sausage cooking experience!

So, go ahead, give this Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe a try. You might just find that it becomes a new family favorite!

 

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Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Delicious Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a White Bowl

This hearty Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a chilly evening. Filled with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth, it’s quick and easy to make.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 9 ounces cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
  6. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream before serving. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to the soup.

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