Go Back
A rustic bowl of homemade Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, rich with ground sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach.
Daniel

Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

This comforting and flavorful Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is packed with savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-herb broth. It's a perfect one-pot meal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage mild or hot, casings removed
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 cup Celery diced
  • 1 28-oz can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a kick
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
To Finish the Soup
  • 19 oz Fresh or Frozen Cheese Tortellini
  • 5 oz Fresh Spinach
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
  2. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Soup
  1. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  2. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish and Serve
  1. Add the tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 5-7 minutes for frozen, until al dente. Do not overcook.
  2. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Ladle the Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini may soften upon reheating, so if you plan for leftovers, you might cook the tortellini separately and add it to individual bowls.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cannellini beans. For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the very end.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.