Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s all-time favorite comfort meals: Sausage and Tortellini Soup! This is one of those sanity-saving recipes that’s always a dinnertime win in my house. When life gets crazy (and let’s be honest, when *isn’t* it crazy?), this soup is my go-to for a warm, filling meal that everyone loves.
This recipe came about because I was staring into the fridge one night, desperately needing a plan. Sound familiar? I had some sausage, some tortellini, and a whole lot of hungry faces looking at me. I threw it all together, and the rest is history! This recipe is now requested at least once a month, and I’m not complaining. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy. The first time I made it, I remember being so relieved that everyone ate it without complaints! It’s become a staple in our cozy chaos. If you love this creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup recipe, I’ve got even more kid-friendly soup recipes to share!
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup recipe is for all my fellow busy moms out there who need a comforting, delicious meal on the table, fast. It’s simple comfort food at its finest! Looking for another quick recipe? This Chicken Parmesan Soup is another winner!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage: I usually use mild, but if your family likes a little kick, go for hot Italian sausage!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: This adds a lovely base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: These create the perfect soup base.
- 6 cups chicken broth: You could also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show!
- 5 ounces fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and some extra nutrients.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This makes the soup extra creamy and comforting.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For topping (and extra flavor!).
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!

Trust me, this Sausage and Tortellini Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the soup. For a budget-friendly alternative, use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. This proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, making it a super accessible and easy meal to throw together. If you enjoy a simple recipe, you’ll find more like this Potsticker Soup.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to make some magic? Here’s how to create this comforting Sausage and Tortellini Soup:
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. This is a key step for flavor!
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now.
- Add the base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and season: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Easy Tortellini Soup perfection is within reach!
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup brings so much deliciousness in one bowl!
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through, but don’t boil. Here’s where I used to struggle with my soup – I’d boil it and the cream would separate. Learn from my experience!
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the Sausage and Tortellini Soup into bowls and serve hot. While your soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
In my busy kitchen, this Sausage and Tortellini Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Don’t worry if your Sausage and Tortellini Soup looks a little thick – that’s just the creamy goodness! For a family-tested shortcut, use pre-cooked sausage to save even more time. I’ve also discovered that adding a bay leaf while simmering enhances the flavor.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family devours this comforting Sausage and Tortellini Soup when I serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth! Sometimes I also add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top. It makes it look extra appealing, even though it tastes amazing either way. If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they’re great for lunch the next day. The tortellini soaks up even more flavor overnight!
During the fall, I sometimes add a can of pumpkin puree to make it extra cozy and seasonal. And in the summer, I like to throw in some chopped zucchini or yellow squash for a lighter twist. I once served this to some friends who were visiting, and they raved about how comforting and flavorful it was. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The kids devour this Sausage and Tortellini Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a total dinnertime win! Another family-friendly option you may love is this Mexican Street Corn Soup.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Sausage and Tortellini Soup that I often get from fellow moms:
Is this Sausage and Tortellini Soup really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The sausage, tortellini, and creamy broth make it a hearty and satisfying meal. For extra staying power, serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Start small! Offer a small bowl with just a few tortellini and some broth. You can also try pureeing some of the vegetables into the soup to hide them. My kids are much more likely to try it if they help make it!
Can I meal prep this Sausage and Tortellini Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! This soup is great for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup freezes well and reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver on those extra busy days.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, and cook until tender.
Can I make this Sausage and Tortellini Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or simply omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables your family enjoys, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, or kale.
I’ve found that being flexible and willing to experiment is key to creating comfort food that everyone enjoys. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on your family’s preferences!
Final Thoughts:
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s a meal that brings us together around the table, even on the busiest of nights. Why not try whipping up this easy soup for a family night in?
Here are my Sausage and Tortellini Soup Comfort Hacks:
- Use pre-cooked sausage: Saves time and effort.
- Add a bay leaf while simmering: Enhances the flavor.
- Don’t boil after adding cream: Prevents separation.
Here are some family-tested variations:
- Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Add red pepper flakes for a kick. My husband loves this version!
- Pumpkin Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Add pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. The kids enjoy this one in the fall.
- Vegetable-Packed Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots. This is my go-to for a healthier option.
I hope you and your family enjoy this comforting Sausage and Tortellini Soup as much as we do. Make it your own, experiment with different ingredients, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I am wishing you many dinnertime wins! Give this satisfying soup a try and watch your family’s faces light up with comfort!

Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a chilly evening. Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach come together in a flavorful broth for a satisfying and easy-to-make soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
