If you’re craving a cozy and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With savory Italian sausage mingling with tender cheese tortellini and an array of vibrant vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth, this soup brings a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort. Whether it’s a chilly night or you just want something satisfying for dinner, this recipe is a delightful way to fill your home with the aroma of Italy and your belly with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to make this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe come to life. Each component adds its own magic: the Italian sausage delivers bold, savory flavor; fresh veggies contribute texture and sweetness; and the tortellini brings that indulgent, cheesy bite everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot): The heart of the soup, infusing every spoonful with rich, spiced goodness.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1.5 cups): Brings a subtle earthiness and beautiful color.
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup): Provides a mild crunch and aromatic flavor.
- 1 medium green pepper, diced (about 1 cup): Lends a fresh, slightly sweet bite for balance.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to brighten and deepen the soup’s taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle garlic punch without overpowering.
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): The savory base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth, tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings chunks of tomato for texture and freshness.
- 1 (9-oz) package cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pasta that makes the soup wonderfully filling.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): For those who love a silky, creamy broth.
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish that’s irresistible.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step builds the foundational flavor and renders out the delicious fat that will mingle into the broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your sausage is nicely browned, toss in the diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and diced green pepper. Stir everything together and let the veggies soften. This process unlocks their sweetness and layers more texture into your soup.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until the veggies and meat are well-coated. Cook them together for a couple of minutes to deepen the tomato flavor and let those herbs release their aroma.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer. This will meld all the flavors while gently cooking the soup for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Tortellini and Cream
When the soup’s bubbling happily, add the cheese tortellini. Let them cook according to the package directions—usually about 5 minutes. After that, stir in the heavy cream if you want that extra creamy touch. It softens the acidity and makes the soup velvety and luxurious.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your piping hot bowl with a generous sprinkle of finely shredded parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty flavor perfectly complements the sausage and smooth tortellini. If you love fresh herbs, some chopped basil or parsley can add a lively, green note that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. The crunch of the bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an edible vessel that’s both rustic and impressive. Or create smaller portions in appetizer cups topped with a dollop of fresh ricotta or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, giving you quick and satisfying meals later on without any extra work.
Freezing
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Store in freezer-safe containers and it will last for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the tortellini might become a bit softer after freezing, so you might prefer to freeze the soup without pasta and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If your soup was frozen without tortellini, add fresh pasta during reheating and cook until tender. For a creamy finish, stir in a splash of cream again before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will work well if you want a leaner version. Just be mindful that the flavor might be milder, so consider adding a bit more Italian seasoning or even some red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Consider adding hearty mushrooms or lentils for protein and extra texture. Use plant-based tortellini to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies beforehand, then add all ingredients except tortellini to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add tortellini in the last 15 minutes so they don’t get mushy.
What kind of tortellini is best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled tortellini is classic here, but you can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled varieties based on your preference. Fresh or frozen tortellini both work well.
Can I make this soup creamier?
Yes! Adding heavy cream towards the end gives a luscious texture. For a lighter creamy option, you can stir in some half-and-half or even coconut milk for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of comfort food magic to your table. It’s surprisingly easy to make yet feels special enough for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new go-to soup for satisfying hunger and heart alike.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup featuring browned Italian sausage, a medley of sautéed vegetables, rich tomato broth, and tender cheese tortellini. This easy-to-make soup combines Italian flavors with creamy goodness, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy soup)
- Finely shredded parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and diced green pepper to the browned sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can tomato sauce, and 1 can diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook tortellini: Add the package of cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Add cream (optional): If a creamy texture is desired, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and heat through without boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with finely shredded parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if preferred.
- Adjust the heat of the soup by using mild or hot Italian sausage.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish enhances the flavor and presentation.
