There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm you up, and Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup might just be the ultimate comfort food. This soup is rich, spicy, and loaded with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a variety of fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s everything you need for a cozy night in, whether it’s a chilly winter day or you’re just craving something warm and filling. The best part? It’s simple to make and ready in under an hour, so you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.
This recipe starts with spicy Italian sausage, which provides a flavorful base with a bit of heat that complements the creamy broth and tender pasta. We then add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for a classic soup base that enhances the depth of flavor. Fresh tortellini, often filled with cheese or spinach, adds a hearty, satisfying texture to the soup, and baby spinach adds color and extra nutrition. Finally, a touch of heavy cream gives the broth a velvety finish, making this soup feel indulgent and comforting.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through each step to make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup perfectly, from browning the sausage to simmering the broth and adding the final touches. I’ll also share tips for making it ahead, freezing, and customizing the spice level and ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly satisfying.
Ready to make a pot of delicious, comforting soup? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Flavorful Broth: The combination of spicy sausage, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates a deeply savory, rich broth that’s packed with flavor.
Hearty and Filling: With tortellini and sausage as the main ingredients, this soup is filling enough to be a complete meal.
Creamy with a Kick: The touch of heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, while the spicy sausage provides just the right amount of heat.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out vegetables, or use different types of tortellini to make this soup your own.
Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 9 ounces fresh tortellini (cheese or spinach-filled)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Sausage: Add the spicy Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Remove Excess Grease: If there’s a lot of grease in the pot after browning the sausage, you can carefully drain some of it, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. The rendered fat adds flavor, so leaving a small amount is ideal.
- Set the Sausage Aside: Once the sausage is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the remaining oil and fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the Onion, Carrot, and Celery: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which adds flavor to the broth.
- Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir to incorporate.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Spinach
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the fresh tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions, as it may take slightly longer.
- Add the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream adds richness and balances the spice from the sausage.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl gets plenty of sausage, tortellini, and vegetables.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful broth.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ways to serve and elevate it:
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- With Extra Parmesan: Pass around extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping. The salty, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- With a Glass of Wine: A light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the soup.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the main source of flavor in this soup, so choose a good-quality spicy Italian sausage for the best results. You can also use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder soup, use sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini just before serving, as it can become mushy if it sits in the soup for too long. If you’re making the soup in advance, add the tortellini when reheating.
- Add the Cream Last: To prevent curdling, add the heavy cream at the end of cooking. Stir gently and avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds color and nutrition to the soup. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Tortellini Soup: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the sausage with diced mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Tomato-Based Tortellini Soup: For a more tomato-forward flavor, add an extra can of diced tomatoes and reduce the chicken broth by 1 cup.
- White Bean and Tortellini Soup: Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and texture. They complement the sausage and tortellini beautifully.
- Creamy Pesto Tortellini Soup: Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto along with the cream for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.
- One-Pot Tortellini Stew: For a thicker, stew-like texture, use less broth and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The tortellini may soften over time, so add fresh tortellini when reheating if desired.
- Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the soup, do so before adding the tortellini and cream. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and add the tortellini and cream.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-duty pot is ideal for making this soup, as it retains heat well and provides enough space for all the ingredients.
- Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing the cooked sausage from the pot and leaving the grease behind.
- Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the soup and cook according to the package instructions. It may take a few minutes longer than fresh tortellini.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
3. What other greens can I use besides spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard work well in this soup and add a bit more texture than spinach.
4. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance, but add the tortellini and cream when reheating to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
5. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Conclusion
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for cold days or whenever you’re in need of a warm, satisfying meal. With its rich and spicy broth, tender tortellini, and hearty sausage, each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture. The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a luxurious creaminess that balances the heat, while the spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrition. It’s a well-rounded, filling soup that works as both an appetizer and a main course.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. So why not make a big pot of Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup and enjoy the comforting flavors all week long? Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 9 ounces fresh tortellini (cheese or spinach-filled)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Sausage: Add the spicy Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Remove Excess Grease: If there’s a lot of grease in the pot after browning the sausage, you can carefully drain some of it, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. The rendered fat adds flavor, so leaving a small amount is ideal.
- Set the Sausage Aside: Once the sausage is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the remaining oil and fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the Onion, Carrot, and Celery: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which adds flavor to the broth.
- Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir to incorporate.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Spinach
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the fresh tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions, as it may take slightly longer.
- Add the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream adds richness and balances the spice from the sausage.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl gets plenty of sausage, tortellini, and vegetables.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g