When the cold weather creeps in and you find yourself craving something hearty, cozy, and just a little indulgent, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is exactly what your kitchen needs. With a velvety tomato broth, tender cheese tortellini, and savory Italian sausage, every spoonful brings comfort to your table without needing hours of work. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quickly but tastes like it simmered all day.
This soup is the kind of meal that satisfies both a hungry family and a solo soul in need of comfort food. It strikes that perfect balance between rich and light, creamy and fresh. Whether you’re curled up under a blanket or hosting friends, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup checks all the boxes: it’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with aromas that feel like a warm hug. The sausage brings depth and spice, while the tortellini soaks up the creamy broth in the most delicious way. It’s also incredibly customizable—add spinach, swap in turkey sausage, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using veggie broth.
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is the easiest and most reliable option here. It cooks up quickly and holds its shape in the soup without turning mushy. You can also use frozen tortellini—just add a few more minutes to the simmering time. If you’re a fan of meat-stuffed tortellini, feel free to use those instead for an even heartier twist.
Ingredients for the Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup relies on pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, hearty dish.
- Italian sausage
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)


How To Make the Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and simmer according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through for another 2-3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Serving and Storing Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is perfect for serving right after it’s made, when the tortellini is plump and the broth is silky. It feeds about 6 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Leftovers are just as delicious. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the tortellini will continue to soak up liquid, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
To freeze, it’s best to leave out the tortellini until you’re ready to serve. Freeze the broth and sausage base, then add fresh or frozen tortellini when reheating for best texture.
What to Serve With Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Crusty Garlic Bread
The buttery, garlicky crunch is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato broth.
Classic Caprese Salad
A light and fresh option that balances the creamy soup beautifully. Try this Classic Caprese Salad Recipe.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl
If you’re looking to double up on protein, this flavorful bowl is a satisfying pairing.
Roasted Asparagus
Adds a vibrant, earthy element to the table that doesn’t compete with the soup’s richness.
Easy Homemade Naan Bread
Swap out traditional bread with fluffy, warm naan for a twist on your bread pairing.
Lemon Churro Cookies
Want to end your meal with something sweet? These cookies add a citrusy touch to your finish.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you’re feeding a crowd and want to add a main dish, this crisp and savory chicken recipe complements the soup nicely.
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Their bright and herby flavor provides a zesty contrast to the creamy soup.
Want More Soup Ideas?
If you loved this Sausage Tortellini Soup, you might want to explore other cozy comfort dishes on Janet Dishes:
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for a similar but cheesier take.
- Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque if you’re craving coastal flavors.
- Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for a zesty seafood upgrade.
- Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re a fan of rich, earthy tones.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add kale instead of spinach? Did you spice it up with extra chili flakes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and cozier.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comforting bowls on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner idea!
Conclusion
Sausage Tortellini Soup is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s flavorful, comforting, and flexible enough to suit your mood and pantry. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to become a beloved go-to. One bowl won’t be enough—but thankfully, making a second batch is just as easy.


Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy and cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe made with spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato broth. This one-pot dinner is quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknights. Includes tips for storing, reheating, and customizations!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add cheese tortellini and cook for 4–5 minutes, or according to package instructions.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Ladle soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
This soup is best served immediately while the tortellini is al dente.
If storing, add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freeze the soup base without tortellini for better texture when reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
