Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind, optional; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini; 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach; ½ cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

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I absolutely love cozying up with a big bowl of my Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe whenever I want something comforting yet satisfying. It’s this deliciously creamy, rich soup filled with flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil that just warms you from the inside out. What’s amazing is how quickly it comes together—perfect for those busy weeknights when I crave a hearty meal without the hassle. Every spoonful is like a little hug, and I always find myself sneaking an extra bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

What really makes this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe stand out for me is its incredible flavor profile. The Italian sausage brings a spicy, savory punch, perfectly balanced by the creamy broth enriched with heavy cream and that subtle hint of fennel seeds. Fresh spinach and sweet carrots add a nice pop of color and freshness, while the Parmesan rind infuses the soup with deep, umami richness that keeps me coming back for more. It’s that beautiful mix of hearty, creamy, and bright flavors all mingling together in one bowl.

Another thing I adore about this recipe is how easy and quick it is to prepare. With just about 40 minutes from start to finish, I can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes I love making on chilly evenings, casual family dinners, or even when friends pop over unexpectedly. Plus, it’s so versatile — this soup looks impressive but really comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that I always have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of fresh cooking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the bottom right, a white plate holds two layers of uncooked tortellini pasta topped with a small bunch of bright green basil leaves. Moving left, a glass bowl is filled with fresh, dark green spinach leaves, while a small bowl of white flour is placed nearby. At the top center, a bowl contains pink ground meat, next to a bowl filled with finely chopped white onions. Just below the onions, small glass bowls hold dried oregano, fennel seeds, and light golden oil. To the left of these spices are three garlic cloves, and above them, a bowl piled with small, diced orange carrots. A measuring cup of clear golden broth rests in the top left corner next to a tall bottle of white cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, I keep things straightforward but flavorful. Each ingredient is essential to creating that perfect combination of creamy texture, savory richness, and fresh brightness that makes this soup irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to make it.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for cooking the sausage and vegetables while adding subtle richness.
Italian sausage: The star ingredient that gives the soup its bold, meaty flavor and a little bit of spice.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Carrots: Brings color and a gentle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with fragrant, warm aromatics.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Italian-inspired flavor.
Fennel seeds: Adds a subtle licorice-like flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth to a silky consistency.
Chicken stock: Forms the flavorful soup base that ties all the ingredients together.
Parmesan rind (optional): Intensifies the umami in the broth with a rich, cheesy note.
Salt and black pepper: To season and bring out all the flavors perfectly.
Refrigerated three cheese tortellini: Adds a tender, cheesy bite that makes the soup feel indulgent.
Fresh spinach: Provides a pop of vibrant green and freshness to lighten the creaminess.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, velvety texture.
Fresh basil: Adds a final burst of herbal brightness and aroma.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown well, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Toss in the diced onion and carrots. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds the base flavor for your soup.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds. Let everything cook together until fragrant, around 1 minute, making sure not to let the garlic burn.

Step 4: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and whisk to combine. Continue cooking for about 1 minute so the flour lightly browns and thickens the base.

Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Parmesan rind if using, then season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Stir in the refrigerated tortellini and cook until they become tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t overcook.

Step 7: Add the chopped fresh spinach and heavy cream. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cream is fully incorporated, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 8: Finally, stir in the chopped basil. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Servings and Timing

This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it ideal for families or small dinner parties. The prep time is a quick 15 minutes, mainly for chopping and assembling ingredients, followed by 25 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to a delicious meal on the table. No resting or cooling time is required; it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh!

How to Serve This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy soup with three main layers visible. The first layer is a thick, light beige broth with a smooth texture and small specks of black pepper spread throughout. The second layer contains small, soft tortellini pasta, which are pale yellow with ruffled edges floating partly submerged in the broth. The third layer has bits of cooked spinach, bright green and slightly wilted, along with small pieces of cooked sausage that are brown and crumbly, and small diced orange carrots scattered evenly. A silver ladle is scooping a portion of the soup, holding a mix of all these elements. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this soup, I love pairing it with rustic, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully and adds a fresh contrast. For garnishing, I often sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped basil or grated Parmesan on top to make it feel special and inviting.

As for beverages, this soup pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a light, fruity red like a Chianti. If I’m opting for non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or homemade iced tea works perfectly to cleanse the palate. I find this soup is a hit for weeknight dinners when the family gathers around the table, but it also holds up wonderfully for holiday meals or casual entertaining since it looks as lovely as it tastes.

I serve it piping hot, ladled into deep bowls for that satisfying hug-in-a-bowl effect. Portion-wise, about one large bowl per person is usually enough, especially if paired with some tasty sides. Leftovers reheat beautifully for a cozy lunch or dinner the next day, which I always look forward to.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is how easy it is to customize. For example, if you prefer a milder sausage, you can swap the Italian sausage for sweet sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter twist. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and gluten-free tortellini—you’d hardly notice the difference!

If you want to experiment with flavors, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give the soup an extra kick, while swapping fresh basil for fresh oregano or thyme creates a different herbaceous note that’s just as delicious. For a vegan version, I’ve tried plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream, along with vegetable broth; it takes a little adjusting but works surprisingly well to keep that creamy, hearty vibe.

Different cooking methods like slow cooking this soup allow the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. If using a slow cooker, just brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then add everything else and cook on low for 4-6 hours. It’s a great option when you want the soup ready when you walk in the door.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in airtight glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but I recommend leaving out the spinach and cream when freezing, as they don’t always freeze well. Instead, freeze the base with sausage, tortellini, and broth in freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and stir in fresh spinach and cream to bring it back to life.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this soup is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with occasional stirring to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture of the tortellini and keep the cream from curdling. Reheat just until warmed through to protect the fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure the tortellini cooks through completely. Just add it straight from frozen to the simmering soup and keep an eye on the texture.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also replace the cheese tortellini with a dairy-free variety if needed. Adding extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers works great for additional flavor.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding the tortellini, spinach, cream, and basil. This helps keep the tortellini from becoming too soft and the spinach vibrant. Then simply warm and finish right before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, coconut cream or cashew cream are great alternatives that still provide a luscious texture and mild flavor.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup has a gentle warmth thanks to the flavors in the Italian sausage and a touch of fennel seeds, but it’s not overly spicy. If you want more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sausage. If you prefer mild, opt for sweet sausage without spicy seasonings.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, you have to try this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. I promise it will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul with every delicious spoonful. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for gatherings, and the creamy, savory flavors are pure joy. Grab your ingredients and make this one of your go-to recipes—it’s sure to become a new favorite!