Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich and hearty one-pot meal that brings together savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy tomato broth. Packed with flavor and ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal comfort food for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With minimal prep and a blend of wholesome ingredients, this soup is as satisfying as it is simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a standout for its ease and full-bodied flavor. The combination of juicy Italian sausage, soft tortellini, and a smooth tomato-cream broth creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s also incredibly adaptable—add vegetables, swap the protein, or use different tortellini varieties to suit your preference. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (ground or meat removed from casings)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 generous cups refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large soup pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot, draining any excess.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in the flour and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to ensure the flour fully dissolves and creates a light roux.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and Italian seasoning. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Add Tortellini: Once boiling, stir in the tortellini. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Cream: Add the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Tortellini Varieties: Use meat, spinach, or mushroom tortellini based on your flavor preference.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the cheese tortellini if needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the tortellini for best texture. Reheat and add fresh tortellini when serving.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as it reheats.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the type of sausage used. Mild sausage makes it kid-friendly, while spicy sausage adds heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except tortellini and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in tortellini and cream for the final 30 minutes.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and select a cheese tortellini that doesn’t contain animal rennet.
Can I add other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely. Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives and hold up well in the soup.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes with juices are recommended for best consistency, but crushed tomatoes can work for a smoother texture.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, add the tortellini and spinach just before serving to avoid overcooking.
How do I thicken the soup?
The flour in the recipe helps slightly thicken the broth, but for a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked tortellini or add extra cream.
What sides go well with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh side salad pair perfectly with this hearty soup.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the broth will be thinner. Half-and-half is a good compromise if you want something lighter than heavy cream.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a satisfying, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that makes a comforting addition to your meal rotation. With flexible ingredients and a one-pot method, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this soup will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Print
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm up with this cozy and comforting Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup—a one-pot wonder packed with savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and tender spinach in a rich, creamy tomato broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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16 oz Italian sausage (ground or casings removed)
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1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 sticks celery, finely chopped
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2 tbsp flour
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3-4 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
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1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 generous cups refrigerated cheese tortellini
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1 cup heavy/whipping cream
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2 cups packed fresh baby spinach (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a large soup pot, sauté sausage over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
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Leave 1 tbsp of fat in the pot. Sauté onion and celery for 4–5 minutes.
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Add flour and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
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Gradually stir in chicken broth until flour is dissolved.
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Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and return sausage to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat.
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Add tortellini, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
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Stir in cream, cook for another 5 minutes.
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Add spinach (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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You can use either ground sausage or whole sausages with casings removed.
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This soup thickens slightly as it cools and is great for leftovers.
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Spinach is optional but adds a nice burst of color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
