Updated June 2025: This recipe has been retested and rewritten by Chef Cory using real, fresh ingredients. Placeholder images are currently in place and will be replaced with real kitchen photography during our full site update.
Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup That’s Quick, Easy, and Insanely Delicious
This sausage tortellini soup is your ticket to creamy, comforting perfection—loaded with Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and garlic-infused broth. Easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to impress at dinner parties.
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Warm Up with My Favorite Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Cozy Up to Comfort in a Bowl
This sausage tortellini soup is one of those fast, no-fuss recipes that feels like you’ve been simmering it all day.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor from spicy Italian sausage, cheese-stuffed tortellini, garlic, and wilted greens.
I like to use kale or spinach and finish it with a splash of cream for that ultra-comforting broth.
One pot, 30 minutes, and everyone at the table is asking for seconds. This one’s a certified weeknight hero.
Table of Contents
Why This Soup Is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about the creamy, garlicky broth that hugs every bite of sausage and cheese-filled pasta. Plus, it comes together in less than an hour.
Talk about a win-win. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this tortellini soup is bound to become your new obsession.
Key Ingredients that Make This Soup Shine
- Italian Sausage – Packed with protein and savory flavor, it creates the base richness in the soup.
- Fresh Spinach – Nutrient-rich greens that brighten the dish and offer a dose of antioxidants.
- Cheese Tortellini – Choose fresh over frozen for unbeatable texture and flavor.
⭐ What Makes This Tortellini Soup Better Than the Rest?
This isn’t your average tortellini soup — and once you taste it, you’ll know why.
It’s the perfect blend of rustic comfort and chef-level finesse. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Deep Flavor from Real Ingredients:
We don’t cut corners with bland broth or pre-cooked shortcuts. Browning the sausage, blooming the garlic, and caramelizing the tomato paste build layers of umami that most soups skip. - The Perfect Texture Combo:
Pillowy, cheesy tortellini meet just-wilted spinach in a rich, silky broth that’s thick enough to coat your spoon, but not so heavy it overwhelms. Every bite is balanced. - Creamy Without Being Heavy:
A touch of cream and Parmesan gives it richness without turning it into a gut bomb. You still get that cozy comfort-food feel — but it won’t weigh you down. - Fast and Fresh:
You get all-day-simmer flavor in under an hour using fresh, high-quality ingredients. That means this soup is just as perfect for weeknights as it is for dinner parties. - Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing:
Mild or spicy sausage? Add mushrooms or zucchini? Sub kale for spinach? This soup plays well with whatever you’ve got — and it still tastes like it came from a trattoria kitchen.
🌿 What Makes This Soup So Good (and Good for You)
Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just cozy — it’s a delicious balance of protein, greens, healthy fats, and carbs, all working together to create a complete meal in a bowl.
Let’s take a look at the key players and why they matter, both on the spoon and for your health:
🥩 Italian Sausage
- Flavor Role: The backbone of the soup’s savory depth. It’s bold, spiced (mild or spicy), and brings that craveable richness that defines the whole bowl.
- Health Benefits: High in protein and B vitamins (especially B12), which are essential for energy and muscle repair. Go for a high-quality or lean sausage with clean ingredients for a healthier option.
🧀 Cheese Tortellini
- Flavor Role: Tender, cheesy pasta pillows that soak up the broth and add creamy, carby satisfaction. They make every bite hearty and filling.
- Health Benefits: Offers a good source of complex carbohydrates and calcium from the cheese. If you use fresh or homemade tortellini with minimal preservatives, even better.
🥬 Fresh Baby Spinach
- Flavor Role: Adds a bright, fresh note and a pop of green color that lightens the rich broth. It wilts beautifully into the soup without overpowering it.
- Health Benefits: Packed with iron, fiber, and immune-boosting antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. It supports digestion and bone health.
🧄 Garlic & Onion
- Flavor Role: The aromatic duo that builds a savory, deep foundation in the broth. When sautéed in olive oil, they become sweet, fragrant, and soul-warming.
- Health Benefits: Both are known for anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Garlic especially helps boost the immune system and lower blood pressure.
🥕 Carrots & Celery
- Flavor Role: Classic soup aromatics that add sweetness, crunch, and balance to the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Health Benefits: Loaded with vitamins A, K, and antioxidants. Carrots support eye health, while celery helps reduce inflammation and aids digestion.
🧂 Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream
- Flavor Role: The broth carries all the flavor, while the cream rounds it out with richness. The combo creates a velvety, luxurious texture.
- Health Benefits: Broth provides hydration and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Use bone broth for an extra nutritional punch. Cream adds fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
🧀 Parmesan Cheese
- Flavor Role: A salty, nutty finish that ties it all together. Stirred in and sprinkled on top for extra depth.
- Health Benefits: Aged Parmesan is easier to digest than many cheeses and is a great source of calcium and protein in small amounts.
Equipment for the Perfect Soup
No special gadgets needed here! Just simple tools you likely have:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula (for stirring and breaking up sausage)
- Chef’s knife (sharp and ready)
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups (liquid and dry)
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle (for serving those dreamy bowls of soup)
- Fine grater or microplane (for Parmesan cheese)
- Optional: Tongs (to stir in spinach gently)
- Optional: Immersion blender (if you want to thicken a portion of the soup without cream, but not necessary)
Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite soup!
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor — juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic-Parmesan broth that’ll have you going back for seconds (or thirds).
It’s everything comfort food should be — fast, fresh, and seriously satisfying.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
6
servings15
minutes45
minutes480
kcalCreamy sausage tortellini soup made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich, savory broth.
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Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy – your call), casing removed
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Small yellow onion, finely diced
3 Cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
1½ tsp tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 Cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 Cups water
9 oz fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated, not frozen)
1½ Cips baby spinach (loosely packed, stems removed)
¾ Cup heavy cream
¼ Cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave a bit of the fat in the pot for flavor. - Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste. - Add Broth And Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the cooked sausage back in. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes to marry the flavors. - Tortellini Time
Stir in the tortellini and simmer according to the package directions — usually 3–5 minutes — until they’re just tender and floating. - Creamy Finish
Lower the heat. Add the spinach, stirring until just wilted. Pour in the cream and Parmesan, stirring until the soup is rich and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Serve Hot And Fresh
Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra Parm, chopped parsley or basil, and maybe a drizzle of good olive oil. Serve with warm, crusty bread and a side of “wow.” - If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d appreciate it if you could give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Notes
- For added depth, use a splash of dry white wine to deglaze before adding broth.
Want it a bit lighter? Sub half-and-half or whole milk for cream.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — but the tortellini will soak up more broth, so keep extra on hand if needed.
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How to Serve Your Tortellini Soup Like a Pro
Serve your soup hot and garnished generously with fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil. Pair it with crusty Italian bread or garlic toast for dunking.
It’s fantastic year-round, but especially comforting in fall and winter. Ideal for casual family dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends.
Chef’s Tip: Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra flair.
Delicious & Practical Substitutions
- Dairy-free swap: Coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free swap: Substitute gluten-free tortellini or use cooked rice/quinoa.
- Kid-friendly version: Swap spicy sausage for mild and add extra veggies like corn.
- Pantry-friendly: Frozen spinach can replace fresh spinach easily.
- Lower-fat: Use turkey or chicken sausage and half-and-half instead of cream.
Wrapping Up This Delicious Bowl of Goodness
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today—I know this sausage tortellini soup will soon become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.
If you try this recipe (and I hope you do!), snap a picture and tag me @Dealiciousness on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review if you loved it! Your feedback truly makes my day and helps others discover tasty recipes like this one.
💾 Love this recipe? Save it for later!
Just click the “Pin Recipe” button on the recipe card, or tap the Pinterest share button below. Easy as pie—or, in this case, soup!
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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Fresh is best for this soup, but yes, frozen works too! Just cook a bit longer until tender.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
Ground beef, chicken, or turkey sausage are all great alternatives.
Can I freeze or reheat this soup?
Absolutely! Freeze without the tortellini, add fresh pasta when reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Use veggie broth and meatless sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
