Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

1/16/2025

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. My Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining bold flavors, tender pasta, and fresh ingredients into one irresistible dish.

By: Victoria Darnell
Originally Published 1/16/2025
Updated 10/20/2025

A Comforting One Pot Meal

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. My Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining bold flavors, tender pasta, and fresh ingredients into one irresistible dish. It’s a recipe that brings the cozy vibes of a home cooked meal straight to your table.......

A Bigger Bowl of Warmth

When crisp evenings sneak in and the aroma of comfort food beckons—you’ll find this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup stepping in like a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine the sizzle of rich Italian sausage meeting the sweet fragrance of sautéed onion and garlic, followed by the mellow creaminess of tortellini bathing in a tomato‑herb‑spiced broth. One spoonful and you’ll know what cozy feels like.

I created this recipe because I wanted something one pot and family friendly—something hearty enough to satisfy yet simple enough for a weeknight. But it also deserves a moment of ceremony: a ladle, a swirl of Parmesan, perhaps crusty bread on the side, good conversation, and maybe even a glass of wine.

What I love most about this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap in chicken sausage or go for a vegetarian version by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth. It’s a meal that works for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike, taking less than 30 minutes to come together.

Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a slice of crusty bread, and maybe a glass of your favorite wine. Trust me, this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup will quickly become a family favorite—one bowl is never enough!

Why This Recipe Works

1. Bold & Balanced Flavors

The Italian sausage gives a savory, slightly spiced foundation. Then garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flake add layers. Tomato paste and diced tomatoes bring a deep richness and tang. The final swirl of heavy cream mellows everything into a velvety finish.

2. Tortellini = Comfort Past

That little ring of cheese‑filled tortellini is gloriously perfect here: tender, satisfying, and wholly absorbing the flavors of the broth. It’s not just a filler—it’s a feature.

3. Freshness Built In

Baby spinach added at the end doesn’t just give color—it gives life to the dish. The wilted green brings freshness, texture, and nuance that elevates the soup beyond “just dinner.”

4. Weeknight Friendly / Crowd Ready

With prep time of 10 minutes and cook time around 30 minutes, you’re at the table in under 40 minutes. That goes great for a family dinner, but when guests arrive unannounced—surprise! You can serve something impressive without breaking a sweat.

5. Adaptable & Stretchable

Want to swap the sausage? Try chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a lighter version. Prefer vegetarian? Use vegetable broth, skip the sausage, and maybe stir in white beans for protein. Want to stretch? Increase the tortellini and veggies slightly and serve with garlic bread and a salad. Flexibility wins.

Cooking Times

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt & pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
1 cube of chicken bouillon ( if desired for additional flavor)

Instructions:

Brown the Sausage- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Build the Flavor- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tomato Base- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add Cream & Tortellini-Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream. Add the tortellini and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Finish with Spinach-Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve- Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

🧂 Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what I use to make this soup effortlessly in my own kitchen: #WALMARTpartner

Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot – Ideal for browning sausage and simmering soup all in one pot
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Great for stirring sausage without damaging your pot
Sharp Chef’s Knife – To quickly dice onions and mince garlic
Cutting Board – Preferably non-slip for safety
Measuring Cups + Spoons – For accurately adding broth, cream, and seasoning
Ladle – For serving that perfect bowl of soup
Grater or Microplane – To top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan
Airtight Containers or Mason Jars – For storing leftovers or meal-prepping

Optional but nice:

Garlic Press – If you want to save time on mincing
Immersion Blender – If you prefer a smoother broth before adding tortellini (optional style)

For more Kitchen Finds check out my Walmart Storefront here

Pro Tips & Variations

Switching Sausage Heat: Using a spicy sausage gives a nice kick; mild sausage keeps it more universally friendly.
Vegetarian Swap: Use vegetable broth, skip sausage entirely, stir in 1–2 cups of white beans or chickpeas and maybe extra veggies (zucchini or mushrooms).
Cream or No Cream: Want lighter? Replace the heavy cream with half‑and‑half or omit and stir in a splash of milk or even Greek yogurt at the end (off‑heat) for creaminess.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini with the onions for extra veggies.
Pasta Timing: Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly—if using frozen, adjust time accordingly. If using dried pasta, consider pre‑cooking a minute earlier than package instructions to avoid over‑cooking in the soup.
Freezer Friendly Option: Prepare the base (sausage, onion, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, broth) in a freezer‑safe zip bag (un‑cooked). Freeze. When ready to use: thaw, bring to boil, add cream, tortellini and spinach as directed. For best texture, add pasta fresh after thawing.
Make‑Ahead Tip: The soup holds well in the fridge for 2‑3 days. Reheat gently (so cream doesn’t separate). On day 2, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Why Your Kitchen Should Smell This Good

There’s a sensory journey baked into this one‑pot:

The sausage sizzles, releasing spices and fat that set the tone.
The garlic and onion turn translucent and fragrant, building depth.
Tomato paste browns slightly, unlocking rich umami.
As the broth and tomatoes simmer, savory and tangy notes mingle.
Adding cream softens the edge into a silky texture.
Finally, tortellini soaks in all this and spinach adds freshness and color.

It’s not just about warm food—it’s about experience. The smell draws people to the kitchen. The sight of the vibrant green spinach floating in red‑rich broth is inviting. The moment when the bowl hits the table and someone says, “That smells amazing” is what food blogging is all about.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Offer crusty garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the soup.
A simple green salad (with vinaigrette) tempers the richness and adds crisp contrast.
For wine lovers: a light Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio works. For non‑alcoholic: sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweet apple cider in autumn.
Leftovers? Portion into mason jars and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and top with fresh spinach just before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This soup is one of those recipes that feels both special and everyday. It asks for ingredients you likely already have (sausage, onion, garlic, pasta, tomatoes, broth)—but it rewards you with something you’d happily serve to guests. A moment of comfort, flavor, and warmth.

Whether you’re winding down after a long day, feeding hungry kids, or welcoming guests, give this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup a shot. It may quickly become your go‑to when the temperature drops, the oven stays off, and you just want a meal that works.

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Author

Hi, I’m Tori Lynn (Victoria) – the heart behind Scratch Crafted Meals and now, Scratch Crafted Bakery! What began as a simple blog to share my love for homemade meals has grown into something more meaningful than I ever imagined. This space started in my kitchen, where I poured my love for cooking into every dish I made for my family. Over time, what began as a way to share recipes turned into a full-fledged cottage bakery – built from the same passion for creating delicious, scratch-made food with care. Through every blog post, late-night bake, market day, and recipe test, I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for the support of this community. If you’ve ever tried one of my recipes, stopped by the bakery, or simply cheered me on – thank you. Your support has helped turn a personal passion into a dream come true. I hope each recipe you find here brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table. Let’s keep creating magic – one dish, one loaf, and one cookie at a time.

With love,
Tori Lynn

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