Hey y'all! If you're craving something warm, nourishing, and oh-so-satisfying, my Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal is exactly what you need. This flavorful soup is loaded with juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and plenty of fresh veggies simmered in a rich, savory broth. It's a one-pot wonder that's perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Trust me, there's nothing like a big bowl of this comfort classic—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Packed with bold flavors and a satisfying mix of textures for a truly hearty meal.
- One-pot recipe—easy to make and even easier to clean up.
- Family-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for leftovers the next day.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and types of sausage.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients for Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz/410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 oz (255g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups (90g) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal – Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Increase heat to medium-high. Stir in cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions—usually about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini float and are tender.
Step 5: Add Spinach & Season
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy piping hot!
Notes for the Best Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- For extra richness, try using a mix of beef and chicken broth (see this broth guide).
- If using frozen tortellini, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free tortellini (learn more about gluten-free pasta).
Tasty Variations on Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Chicken Sausage Version: Swap Italian sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
- Creamy Style: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving for a luxurious, velvety broth.
- Veggie Loaded: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to pack in extra veggies and nutrients.
Required Equipment for Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Storage Instructions for Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
Allow leftover soup to cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers (leave some space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for a classic combo.
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Finish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Browning the sausage well adds deep, savory flavor to your broth (learn about browning meat).
- Add the tortellini just before serving if you plan to store leftovers, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level and adjust seasoning to taste.
FAQ – Sausage and Tortellini Soup Hearty Meal
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the soup (without tortellini) in advance and refrigerate. Reheat and add tortellini just before serving for best texture.
- What kind of tortellini should I use? Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini for variety.
- Is this soup spicy? It depends on your sausage. Use sweet Italian sausage for mild flavor, or spicy Italian for a kick. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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1In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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2Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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4Add cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until tender.
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5Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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6Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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