Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich, hearty bowl of comfort that brings together bold Italian flavors and cozy, home-cooked warmth.
Savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant greens simmer in a lightly creamy, tomato-infused broth that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Finished with fresh basil and a touch of cream, this soup is satisfying enough to be a full meal—perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a comforting, restaurant-style soup made right at home.
Why People Will Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup:
Rich, comforting flavor in every spoonful – Savory Italian sausage, tomato-infused broth, and herbs create deep, cozy flavor that tastes slow-simmered and satisfying.
Cheese-filled tortellini makes it extra indulgent – Tender three-cheese tortellini add richness and turn this soup into a complete, hearty meal.
Perfect balance of creamy and savory – A splash of heavy cream softens the tomatoes and spices without overpowering the soup.
One-pot, restaurant-style comfort at home – This recipe delivers bistro-quality flavor with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
Hearty enough to be a full meal – With protein, pasta, and greens, it’s filling and nourishing all on its own.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Familiar Italian flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Fresh herbs elevate the dish – Basil added at the end brightens the soup and enhances the overall freshness.
Versatile and customizable – Easily adapted with different sausage types, greens, or pasta shapes.
Great for leftovers and meal prep – The flavors deepen as it rests, making next-day bowls even better.
Key Ingredients:
Italian sausage – The flavor foundation of the soup, providing rich, savory depth and a touch of spice that infuses the broth as it cooks.
Three-cheese tortellini – Soft, pillowy pasta filled with creamy cheese, adding indulgence and turning the soup into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Garlic and sweet onion – The aromatic base that builds layered flavor, bringing gentle sweetness and savory warmth to the soup.
Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs that enhances the sausage and tomato base with classic Italian character.
Chicken stock – Creates a savory, well-rounded broth that carries the flavors of the sausage and herbs.
Tomato sauce – Adds richness, color, and gentle acidity, balancing the cream and sausage.
Kale – Brings vibrant color, texture, and nutrients while holding up well in the hot broth.
Heavy cream – Softens the tomato base and adds a smooth, luxurious finish without overpowering the soup.
Fresh basil – Stirred in at the end to add brightness and a fresh, aromatic lift.
Expert Tips:
Brown the sausage thoroughly – Let the sausage develop a deep golden color before moving on. Proper browning builds rich, savory flavor that carries through the entire soup.
Drain excess fat carefully – Removing excess grease keeps the broth balanced and prevents it from becoming overly heavy.
Bloom the aromatics and spices – Cooking the garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning briefly in the sausage drippings releases their oils and deepens flavor without burning.
Whisk the flour completely – Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and lightly toasted before adding liquid to avoid a raw flour taste.
Add stock gradually while whisking – This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, lightly thickened broth.
Simmer before adding tortellini – Giving the broth time to reduce and develop flavor makes the finished soup more robust.
Cook tortellini just until tender – Overcooking can cause the pasta to burst or become mushy, so add it near the end.
Add greens in stages if needed – Kale should go in just long enough to soften while still holding its texture.
Stir in cream off high heat – Lower the heat before adding cream to maintain a smooth, creamy finish.
Finish with fresh herbs – Adding basil at the end preserves its aroma and brightens the soup.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
⅓ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic, onion and Italian seasoning.
Cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Step 3:
Gradually whisk in chicken stock and tomato sauce.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Stir in tortellini; cover and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and basil until heated through, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
Important Notes When Making Sausage Tortellini Soup:
This soup is meant to be hearty, not brothy – The light roux and cream give it body, creating a rich, comforting texture rather than a thin soup.
Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best – Dried tortellini can overcook and lose its tender, filled texture in this style of soup.
Tortellini will continue absorbing liquid – The pasta soaks up broth as it sits, so the soup will thicken over time.
Add cream at the end – Introducing cream too early or over high heat can affect texture and smoothness.
Cheese-filled pasta adds salt – Taste and adjust seasoning after the tortellini is fully cooked.
Greens soften quickly – Kale holds up better than spinach, which should be added right before serving.
Flavors deepen as it rests – Like many soups, this one tastes even better after a short rest or the next day.
Reheating may require extra liquid – Add a splash of stock or water to loosen the soup when reheating.
Not ideal for long freezing with cream – For freezing, omit cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Toppings enhance the experience – Fresh basil, Parmesan, or cracked black pepper add extra depth and freshness.
How to Enjoy Sausage Tortellini Soup After Cooking
Let the soup rest briefly
Allow the soup to sit off the heat for about 5–10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and the broth reach its ideal consistency.
Stir gently before serving
Give the soup a slow stir to redistribute the tortellini, sausage, and greens evenly in each bowl.
Serve hot, not boiling
The soup is best enjoyed steaming hot, which highlights the creamy texture and layered flavors without overpowering heat.
Finish with fresh garnishes
Top each bowl with chopped fresh basil, freshly cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to add brightness and depth.
Pair with crusty bread
Serve alongside warm Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the rich broth.
Enjoy as a complete meal
With protein, pasta, and greens, this soup is hearty enough to stand alone.
Balance richness with freshness
A light green salad or roasted vegetables make a perfect side to complement the creamy soup.
Create a topping bar for gatherings
Let guests customize their bowls with extra herbs, cheese, or red pepper flakes.
Reheat gently for leftovers
Warm leftovers over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the soup if it has thickened.
Even better the next day
The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day servings especially comforting.
Nutrition Information:
For Sausage Tortellini Soup
(Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe yields about 6 servings.)
Calories: 360–400 kcal | Total Fat: 20–23 g | Saturated Fat: 8–10 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7–8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2–3 g | Cholesterol: 65–80 mg | Sodium: 750–950 mg (depending on sausage, stock, and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 26–30 g | Dietary Fiber: 2–3 g | Sugars: 4–6 g | Protein: 16–20 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use your preferred type of sausage, such as turkey sausage or a different flavor of Italian sausage, depending on your taste preferences.
What can I use instead of kale?
If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these greens tend to cook faster than kale.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
While it’s possible to freeze this soup, keep in mind that dairy-based soups like this one with heavy cream may undergo some texture changes upon thawing.
If you plan to freeze it, omit the heavy cream before freezing and add it when you reheat the soup.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also add extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can substitute the tortellini with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if you prefer.
Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Is it necessary to use Italian seasoning, or can I use individual herbs?
You can use individual dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
Use about 1/2 teaspoon of each herb, or adjust to your taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by using plant-based sausage or omitting the sausage altogether.
For a vegan version, also replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Allow the leftover soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.
It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile, and you can add more vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding other ingredients.