Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful Italian-inspired soup that combines savory Italian sausage with tender cheese-filled tortellini simmered in a rich vegetable and herb broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is customizable and satisfying for any season.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Not gluten free
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 12 ounces fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks to build rich flavor and tender meat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables are softened and the onions turn translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer to meld all the flavors together.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, until the tortellini float and are tender.
- Stir in the Greens: Fold in fresh spinach or kale and simmer for a few more minutes until the greens are wilted but still vibrant, adding nutrition and color to the soup.
Notes
- Brown the sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor through caramelization.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go to balance salt and spices.
- Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for best taste and quick cooking.
- Add greens at the end to keep them tender and bright.
- For thicker soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry or a splash of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage tortellini soup, Italian sausage soup, cheese tortellini recipe, hearty soup, easy Italian soup