Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup

Introduction

What if I told you that comfort could be served in a bowl, ready in less than 40 minutes? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup. Packed with savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh veggies, and a rich tomato broth, this soup delivers the kind of flavor that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Unlike many soup recipes that simmer for hours, this one gives you depth of flavor in under an hour — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you’ve been looking for a meal that’s both cozy and satisfying, this is it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up a pot of goodness:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

✨ Swap it up: Try turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

That’s about 25% faster than most tortellini soup recipes, making it a great choice for weeknight cooking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Remove excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Stir in Greens & Cream

Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream at the end.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

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Nutrition (per serving, serves 6)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g

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Healthier Alternatives

• Lighten it up: Use turkey sausage and skip the cream for a leaner bowl.
• Low-carb option: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
• Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even beans for more nutrition.
• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or a warm baguette.
• Add a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette for balance.
• Serve smaller portions as a starter before pasta or grilled chicken.
• Meal-prep friendly — this soup tastes even better the next day!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking tortellini: Add it at the very end so it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Skipping the sauté: Cooking the veggies before adding broth builds rich flavor.
• Too much cream early: Add cream at the end to avoid curdling.
• Not seasoning in layers: Taste the broth before adding tortellini to adjust seasoning.

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Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the tortellini (they get mushy). Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

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Conclusion

This Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a one-pot meal: bold flavors, simple steps, and a comforting finish. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again when you need a quick but soul-satisfying dinner. Give it a try this week — and don’t forget to leave a comment or review to let us know how yours turned out!

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FAQs

Q1: 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. Add tortellini and cream 30 minutes before serving.

Q2: What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is the classic choice, but spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini also work beautifully.

Q3: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely — use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.

Q4: How do I keep it from being too greasy?
Drain excess fat from sausage after browning for a lighter broth.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this soup doubles well — just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.