Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty winter nights call for a comforting bowl of sausage tortellini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, savory flavors blend seamlessly in this rustic Italian-inspired dish.

Tender cheese tortellini swim alongside spicy Italian sausage in a robust tomato broth.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of meaty goodness and cheesy pasta.

Aromatic herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to this soul-satisfying meal.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable dining experience.

You’ll want to ladle up this delicious creation and savor every comforting bite.

FAQs

  • What type of tortellini works best in this soup?

Choose cheese or meat-filled tortellini. Pre-packaged varieties from refrigerated or dried sections work perfectly.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for protein.

  • How do I prevent pasta from getting mushy?

Add tortellini near the end of cooking and avoid overcooking. Cook just until tender, about 5 minutes.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Freeze without cream. Add cream after reheating to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.

Creamy Pasta Soup Savory Features

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Pack Hearty Nutrition: Loaded with protein from sausage, vegetables for vitamins, and tortellini for satisfying carbs, this one-pot meal provides balanced nutrition in every spoonful.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Winner: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, rich flavors, and comforting warmth of this soup, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Creamy Pasta Soup Ingredient Essentials

Meat Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Onion: Provide a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust taste to enhance the overall taste.
Soup Components:
  • Stock: Creates the liquid base that brings all ingredients together.
  • Tomatoes: Offer a tangy and slightly acidic element to balance the creamy texture.
  • Tortellini: Adds a hearty pasta component that makes the soup more substantial and filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes a smooth and luxurious texture to the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty topping that complements the soup's rich flavors.

Making Your Own Creamy Pasta Soup

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Grab your skillet and heat it up over medium-high flame.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, letting it sizzle and dance until it turns golden brown and develops a crispy exterior.

Once cooked, transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in your chopped vegetables:
  • Carrots
  • Onions

Sauté these for about three minutes until they start to soften and release their sweet flavors.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its fragrant aroma to fill the kitchen.

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

Pour in your stock and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta And Protein

Add these ingredients to the bubbling soup:
  • Tortellini
  • Browned sausage

Simmer for approximately five minutes, or until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the rich, savory broth.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Swirl in heavy cream, creating a luxurious, silky texture.

Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tips for a Flavorful Creamy Pasta Soup

  • Select Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.
  • Dice carrots and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite.
  • Add tortellini toward end of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Remove soup from heat before stirring in cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Freshly grated parmesan provides deeper flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese, elevating the overall soup experience.

Creamy Pasta Soup Twists and Takes

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a hearty meatless version. Use vegetable stock and add extra herbs for depth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese-filled pasta or quinoa shells. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap cream for Greek yogurt, and sprinkle chili powder. Top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Light Summer Version: Use turkey sausage, reduce cream, add fresh spinach at the end, and garnish with lemon zest for a lighter, brighter soup experience.

Ideas for Serving Creamy Pasta Soup

  • Italian Bread Buddy: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a slice of warm ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add freshness.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra parmesan or add a dollop of ricotta on top for enhanced creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Wine Companion: Match with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a light Pinot Noir to complement the sausage and tomato notes.

Storing Creamy Pasta Soup Properly

  • Store cooled soup in airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream-based broth might slightly separate, so gently stir before reheating.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that cream-based soups can change texture when frozen, so the consistency might be slightly different upon thawing.
  • Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
  • If possible, store pasta and soup separately to prevent tortellini from becoming soggy. Add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture and flavor.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian-inspired flavors with rich, warming ingredients. Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through creamy broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage that will satisfy you completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) mild Italian sausage
  • 10 ounces (283 grams) fresh tortellini
  • 1 bunch curly kale, torn

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 14 ounces (397 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 quart (946 milliliters) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté sausage with diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat until meat caramelizes and onions become translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Carefully drain any accumulated grease from the meat mixture to reduce excess oil.
  3. Pour chicken stock into the pot, adding crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop robust flavors.
  4. Introduce chopped kale and refrigerated tortellini to the simmering soup, stirring gently to incorporate ingredients evenly.
  5. Stream heavy cream into the soup, continuing to cook for 3-4 minutes until pasta reaches an al dente texture and soup thickens slightly.
  6. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for optional heat and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Use lean sausage to reduce overall fat content and create a lighter version of the soup.
  • Swap tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary alternatives that maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
  • Chop kale finely to ensure even distribution and quicker cooking throughout the soup.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms to preserve the hearty flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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