There’s something about a hearty bowl of soup that just makes everything feel right in the world. And trust me when I say this Sausage Tortellini Soup is next level. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make—seriously, you won’t believe how quickly you can have this cozy bowl of goodness ready to serve.
Picture this: the rich, savory flavors of sausage, creamy broth, and tender cheese-filled tortellini all swirling together in the most satisfying way. It’s like the hug you’ve been waiting for after a long day. The creamy broth gives you that perfect balance of comfort without being too heavy, and every spoonful is filled with juicy sausage and soft, pillowy tortellini. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup
This recipe is all about simplicity and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this soup fits the bill. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:
- Versatile: Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or serving it up at a cozy get-together, this soup shines. It’s comforting yet exciting enough to impress your guests. And bonus—it pairs beautifully with a glass of wine!
- Budget-Friendly: No need to break the bank with fancy ingredients. This dish uses pantry staples and fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. You can make a comforting meal without stretching your budget.
- Quick and Easy: It’s super easy to follow, even for the busiest of cooks. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying, restaurant-quality soup on the table in no time.
- Customizable: You can tweak this soup to make it exactly how you like it. Want a bit more heat? Toss in some crushed red pepper. Looking for a veggie boost? Spinach or kale would be a great addition. This recipe has room to play!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s kids, friends, or family, everyone will love it. The flavors are universally adored—savory sausage, creamy broth, and comforting pasta all in one bowl. What’s not to love?

Ingredients in Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup comes together with a few simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Let’s break it down:
- Italian Sausage: The flavor powerhouse of this soup. It brings that perfect mix of spices and richness to the dish. Choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- Tortellini: The star of the show! These little pasta pockets are filled with cheese, and they add such a lovely texture to the soup. They’re like little bursts of comfort in every bite.
- Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): The base of our soup. It’s what brings everything together and adds that deep, savory flavor that makes the soup feel so cozy.
- Heavy Cream: To add richness and a creamy texture to the broth. It’s what makes this soup feel luxurious and comforting.
- Garlic & Onion: These aromatics are key to building layers of flavor right from the start.
- Spinach (optional): A handful of spinach adds color and a bit of freshness. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
- Seasonings: We’re using a mix of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick).
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. The sausage should get nice and crispy around the edges. This is where all the flavor starts!
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the garlic and onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft. Your kitchen will smell amazing—trust me, this is the good stuff!
3. Add the Broth and Spinach
Pour in your broth (chicken or vegetable) and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the spinach, and let it wilt into the broth. If you’re adding red pepper flakes for a little heat, now’s the time!
4. Toss in the Tortellini
Once the broth is simmering, add in the tortellini. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the pasta floats to the top and is tender. This is when the magic happens, and the soup starts coming together!
5. Add the Cream
Now, pour in the heavy cream to make the soup creamy and rich. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste it, and if you feel like it needs a bit more seasoning, go ahead and adjust with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes!
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a little extra spinach or grated Parmesan if you’d like. Serve it hot, and enjoy the cozy vibes this soup brings.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping a piece of warm, crusty bread into a bowl of creamy soup. You could also serve it with garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
- Cheese: Add some extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil to enhance the flavors.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can brown the sausage and chop the veggies the night before to save time.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw and reheat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just add it straight to the soup and cook until tender.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! This soup freezes great. Just let it cool before freezing in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A5: Yes! You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute to make this soup dairy-free.
Q6: What should I serve with this soup?
A6: This soup is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad or some crispy bread on the side.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is going to be your new favorite cozy dish—guaranteed! It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that’s about to unfold. You’re going to love it!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup
A hearty and comforting soup made with flavorful Italian sausage, tortellini, kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights and a delicious meal for the whole family!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Remove the casings from the sausage (if using links). In a large pot, cook the crumbled sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through. If your tortellini requires a longer cook time, add the tortellini first and the kale in the last 5 minutes.
- Taste the soup and add salt to taste, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more as needed.
- Serve in bowls and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread with cheese.
Notes
- The mustard powder and hot sauce are subtle but enhance the overall flavor, so I recommend adding them despite their small amounts.
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne and hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1,000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg