Hearty & Easy Tortellini Sausage Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill of a cold day. And when it comes to satisfying, soul-warming meals, this Tortellini Sausage Soup truly stands out. It’s a robust, incredibly flavorful dish that masterfully combines savory ground Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, herbed broth. This recipe is designed to be a family favorite, offering a comforting and wholesome experience with every spoonful.
As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, soups become a weekly staple in many households, and mine is no exception. This Tortellini Sausage Soup is a cherished addition to our rotation, offering a delightful twist on classic comfort food. If you’re a fan of rich pasta dishes transformed into a savory soup, or if you simply adore the chewy texture of tortellini, then you’ve found your next go-to recipe.
If you’ve enjoyed other comforting soup recipes like our Tuscan Bean Soup or the equally delicious Chicken Tortellini Soup, you’ll find this sausage-infused version to be another fantastic option. It shares a similar hearty base, but with the distinctive flavor profile of Italian sausage that truly elevates the dish, making it wonderfully satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Sausage Soup
- Unforgettable Flavor: The Italian sausage provides a fantastic savory depth, complemented by aromatic vegetables and a well-seasoned broth.
- Hearty & Filling: With sausage, tortellini, and plenty of vegetables, this soup is a complete meal in itself, guaranteed to keep you full and warm.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Add more vegetables, change the type of sausage, or even make it vegetarian.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, especially with the delicious cheese tortellini.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Soup
While this Tortellini Sausage Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few simple sides can create a truly memorable meal. A light, fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, while crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments:
- Fresh Bread: A crusty homemade artisan bread, garlic bread, or even simple toasted baguette slices are perfect for dipping.
- Simple Green Salad: A vibrant salad like a Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts or a classic Caesar salad adds a fresh, zesty element.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sides like Roasted Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and flavorful addition.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food experience, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is a match made in heaven.
Customization & Flavor Variations
One of the best aspects of this Tortellini Sausage Soup is its incredible versatility. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage. You can add extra protein by bulking it up with white beans, chickpeas, or even lentils. Consider using a plant-based sausage alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy a kick, opt for spicy Italian sausage. For an extra punch, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers, or serve them on the side for individual customization.
- Additional Vegetables: This soup is a fantastic way to use up vegetables. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness), corn, or green beans. Add denser vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes earlier in the cooking process to ensure they soften.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a dollop of cream cheese at the very end, just before serving. This adds a luxurious texture and mellows the flavors beautifully.
- Different Greens: While kale adds a lovely texture and nutritional boost, spinach or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives. Simply stir them in at the end until wilted.
- Pasta Alternatives: If tortellini isn’t your favorite or isn’t available, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Essential Recipe Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Sausage: I typically use ground Italian sausage, as its unique blend of herbs and spices (fennel, garlic, paprika) adds an incredible depth of flavor to the broth. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or turkey Italian sausage can also be used for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s ground sausage for easy browning.
- Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic base, providing essential sweetness and a robust foundation for the soup. Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and a lovely texture. Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor, as mentioned in the customization section.
- Tortellini: The star of the show! I prefer cheese tortellini for its creamy filling and delightful chewiness, which transforms this soup into a truly satisfying meal. However, feel free to use your favorite variety – meat-filled, spinach, or even mushroom tortellini would be delicious. Fresh or frozen tortellini works perfectly, just follow package directions for cooking times if different from the recipe.
- Greens: Incorporating greens like chopped kale is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and add a pop of color and freshness. Kale holds up well in soup, but spinach or Swiss chard are also excellent choices, wilting beautifully into the broth.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth provides the liquid base, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the soup. Vegetable broth can be substituted if preferred, especially for a vegetarian version.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce enhances the richness and body of the soup, creating a more cohesive and flavorful broth.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together, while minced garlic adds pungent aromatic notes. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese are essential garnishes, adding brightness and a salty, umami finish. Crushed red pepper is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a little heat.
How Do You Make This Tortellini Soup Recipe? A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Tortellini Sausage Soup is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, comforting meal:
Step 1. Brown the Sausage: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Once cooked, drain any excess fat – this prevents the soup from becoming greasy – and set the sausage aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
Step 2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot (you might need to add another tablespoon of olive oil if the pot is dry), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatics for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they begin to soften. This step builds the foundational flavor of your soup.
Step 3. Combine & Simmer: Now, it’s time to bring the soup together. Stir in the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the tortellini and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked al dente. Keep an eye on the tortellini; overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
Step 4. Finish with Greens & Sausage: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and cook for just a few minutes until the greens are wilted and tender-crisp. This adds a fresh element and a vibrant color to the soup.
Step 5. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Stir in fresh Parmesan cheese directly into each bowl if desired, or let your guests add it themselves. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth!
Expert Tips for the Best Tortellini Sausage Soup
To ensure your Tortellini Sausage Soup turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini can quickly go from tender to mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking process and cook only until al dente, usually 7-10 minutes, or according to package instructions. If you’re planning on freezing the soup, cook the tortellini separately and add them when reheating.
- Brown the Sausage Properly: Take your time browning the Italian sausage. A good sear creates rich, caramelized flavors that will infuse into the soup. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the aromatics (garlic, onion, carrots, celery) before adding liquids is key to building a flavorful base. The Italian seasoning also plays a significant role here.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Broths can vary in sodium content, so it’s best to season to your preference at the end.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried Italian seasoning is convenient, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh finish that really elevates the dish.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. They add a final touch of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Can You Freeze Cheese Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this delicious soup for future meals, making it an excellent option for meal prepping! However, there’s a key tip to keep in mind to ensure the best texture upon reheating, especially concerning the tortellini.
Freezing Instructions:
I highly recommend freezing the soup without the tortellini. Tortellini, like many pastas, can become soft and mushy when frozen and then reheated in a liquid. If you plan to eat half of the soup now and freeze the other half for later, only add the tortellini to the portion you’re serving immediately.
- Allow the portion of soup you intend to freeze (without tortellini) to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming and to maintain food safety.
- Transfer the cooled soup into airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for easy stacking and faster thawing.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight.
- Once thawed, pour the soup into a pot and gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s simmering and thoroughly warmed through.
- While the soup is reheating, cook fresh tortellini separately according to package instructions.
- Add the freshly cooked tortellini to the hot soup just before serving. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Enjoy your perfectly textured, comforting meal!
This method ensures that your tortellini will always be perfectly al dente, even after freezing the rest of the soup base.
Other Tortellini Recipes You Will Love:
If you’re a fan of tortellini, you’ll be delighted by these other fantastic recipes that highlight this versatile pasta:
- Italian Tortellini Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad perfect for picnics or a light lunch.
- Pesto Tortellini Bake: A cheesy and herbaceous baked dish that’s incredibly satisfying.
- 30 Minute Chicken Tortellini Skillet: A quick and easy skillet meal for busy weeknights.
Other Warming Soup Recipes to Try:
Explore more comforting and flavorful soup recipes that are perfect for any season, or whenever you need a bowl of warmth:
- SPICY CHICKEN SOUP: For those who like a bit of heat in their bowl.
- CHICKEN LEMON ORZO SOUP: A light, bright, and incredibly flavorful classic.
- VEGETABLE SOUP WITH CABBAGE: A hearty and wholesome option packed with garden goodness.
- WHITE BEUP: Simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
- MOROCCAN RED LENTIL SOUP: An aromatic and exotic vegan soup.
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Tortellini Sausage Soup
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of ground Italian sausage,, mild or spicy
- 3 large carrots,, diced
- 1 small onion,, finely diced
- 2 celery,, diced
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 -28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups of tortellini {whatever you favorite variety is}
- 1 1/2 cups kale,, chopped {you can also use spinach}
- 1/4 cup parsley,, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese,, shredded
- Crushed red pepper for serving {optional}
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain the fat and set aside.
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In the same skillet and heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the onion, carrot and celery and saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Add the Italian seasoning, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tortellini. Simmer until the tortellin is soft about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the kale and pasrley and let the kale wilt.
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Serve the soup with fresh Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper {optional}.
Notes
- A few additions that would be nice are beans and other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- You can leave the kale out or add spinach instead.
- If you don’t like tortellini try using pasta instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.