Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of soup that blends the richness of Italian flavors with the warmth of home cooking. This Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and your heart with contentment.
Tender cheese-filled tortelloni simmer in a savory broth infused with sweet Italian sausage, garlic, and basil, while fresh spinach adds color and balance. Every spoonful offers layers of flavor — creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned — that make it feel like a rustic Italian meal made with love.
Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a quiet weekend dinner, this soup brings comfort and joy to the table with very little effort.
Why People Will Love Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Rich Layers of Flavor: Each spoonful combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fragrant herbs for a deeply satisfying taste.
Comfort in Every Bite: The warm, creamy broth and soft pasta create a cozy, soul-soothing experience — perfect for chilly days or quiet evenings.
Simple Yet Elegant: It feels like an Italian restaurant meal, yet comes together easily in one pot at home.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein, greens, and rich broth — it’s a complete, balanced meal in a bowl.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults; the mild sweetness of the sausage and cheesy tortelloni appeal to every palate.
Beautifully Aromatic: Garlic, basil, and simmering broth fill your kitchen with a warm, irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for comforting weeknight dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or sharing with friends around the table.
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Italian Sausage Tortelloni: Soft, cheese-filled pasta pockets infused with the gentle sweetness of Italian sausage — the heart of the dish that makes every bite rich and comforting.
Turkey Sausage: Lean yet flavorful, it adds a savory depth that balances the creaminess of the tortelloni without making the soup heavy.
Chicken Broth: A warm, golden base that carries all the flavors together — light yet full-bodied, bringing a homestyle comfort to every spoonful.
Diced Tomatoes: They add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness and gives the soup its beautiful, rustic color.
Baby Spinach: Tender greens that wilt perfectly into the broth, adding freshness and nourishment to balance the hearty ingredients.
Fresh Basil: A touch of freshness and fragrance that transforms the soup from simple to soulful — distinctly Italian and deeply aromatic.
Parmesan Cheese: The final flourish — slightly nutty, salty, and melting into the hot broth, tying every flavor together in perfect harmony.
Expert Tips:
Build Flavor Early: Take your time sautéing the onion and garlic — this simple step develops a deep, aromatic base that defines the whole soup. Don’t rush it; let them turn translucent and slightly golden.
Brown the Sausage (Optional but Worth It): Browning the turkey sausage before adding it to the soup adds a caramelized richness and intensifies the savory flavor. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
Use Quality Broth: The broth is the soul of this soup. Choose a low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth so you can control the seasoning and allow the other flavors to shine naturally.
Mind the Tortelloni: Add the tortelloni only after the broth is hot and simmering gently — not boiling rapidly — to prevent them from breaking apart.
Layer Your Seasoning: Season lightly at each step rather than just at the end. It allows the salt and spices to enhance the depth of flavor gradually.
Adjust Spinach to Taste: For a brighter, fresher soup, stir in the spinach just before serving. For a softer texture, let it simmer a few extra minutes.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the soup sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This short rest lets the flavors meld and the broth thicken slightly for a more cohesive texture.
Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil just before serving adds that final Italian touch — aromatic, creamy, and elegant.
Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Chicken broth – 1 box (32 ounces), low sodium
Diced tomatoes – 2 cans (14.5 ounces each)
BUITONI Sweet Italian Sausage Tortelloni – 1 package (20 ounces)
Cooked turkey sausage – 13 ounces (about 2 links), sliced into ½-inch pieces
(Optional: Brown the sausage beforehand for extra flavor.)
Baby spinach – 12 ounces, roughly chopped
Fresh basil – 1 tablespoon, minced
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, shredded, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tortelloni
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Add the tortelloni and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Simmer according to the package directions, about 7 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sliced turkey sausage, diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, and minced basil.
Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue simmering until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired soup.
Important Notes When Making Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Choose the Right Tortelloni: Not all tortelloni are created equal. Fresh or refrigerated pasta works best for this soup, offering a tender, silky bite that absorbs the broth beautifully. Avoid dry versions, as they can turn chewy.
Balance the Broth and Tomatoes: The combination of broth and diced tomatoes creates the perfect harmony — savory yet bright. If you prefer a creamier finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
Mind the Salt Levels: Since both the broth and Parmesan contain salt, season gradually and taste as you go. It’s easier to add more later than to fix an overly salty soup.
Spinach Timing Matters: Add spinach near the end of cooking to preserve its color and nutrients. Overcooking can make it dark and slightly bitter.
Texture Is Everything: This soup thickens slightly as it cools. If you prefer a lighter consistency, add a bit of extra broth before reheating.
Leftovers Improve with Time: The flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.
Customize Freely: You can easily adapt this soup — try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or use kale instead of spinach for a heartier version.
How to Enjoy This Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup After Cooking
Let It Breathe: Once you turn off the heat, allow the soup to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This quiet pause lets the flavors deepen, the broth thicken slightly, and the aromas bloom beautifully in the air.
Serve with Intention: Use deep bowls to showcase the hearty tortelloni and bright greens. Ladle from the bottom to ensure every serving gets a perfect balance of sausage, pasta, and broth.
The Perfect Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle each bowl generously with shredded Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating a silky, aromatic finish.
Pair It Thoughtfully: Enjoy with a slice of warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast — perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with balsamic dressing also adds a refreshing contrast.
Sip Slowly: Take the time to savor each spoonful. Notice the way the sausage’s sweetness mingles with the gentle acidity of tomatoes, the richness of Parmesan, and the comforting aroma of basil.
For Family Gatherings: Serve it straight from the pot at the center of the table. Let everyone ladle their own bowl — the act of serving becomes part of the warmth and togetherness this soup embodies.
Next-Day Bliss: This soup becomes even more flavorful after resting overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore its perfect texture.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving — approximately 1 ½ cups)
Calories: 385 kcal | Total Fat: 20.6 g | Saturated Fat: 8.4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.7 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2 g | Cholesterol: 70 mg | Sodium: 820–980 mg (depending on added salt and broth brand) | Total Carbohydrates: 28.5 g | Dietary Fiber: 3.1 g | Sugars: 6.3 g | Protein: 23.4 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of tortellini or pasta?
Yes! You can use cheese, spinach, or even mushroom-filled tortellini depending on your taste. If you can’t find tortelloni, smaller tortellini or even mini ravioli work well — just adjust the cooking time so the pasta stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it slightly, as the tortelloni may absorb some liquid.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but with a small note: tortelloni can become softer after thawing. To freeze, cook the soup without adding the tortelloni. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the broth and vegetables, bring to a simmer, and add fresh tortelloni to cook just before serving.
What can I use instead of turkey sausage?
You can substitute turkey sausage with pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage. Just be sure to brown it before adding to the soup — this builds extra flavor and helps the sausage hold its texture in the broth.
How can I make this soup creamier?
For a richer, creamier version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. It adds a velvety texture that blends beautifully with the tomatoes and cheese. A touch of Parmesan melted in also enhances the luxurious mouthfeel.
Should I cook the tortelloni separately before adding it to the soup?
No need! The tortelloni cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the savory flavors as it simmers. Just make sure the broth is gently boiling before adding it, and cook according to the package directions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender.
Why do I need to sauté the onion and garlic first?
Sautéing the aromatics in butter builds the foundation of flavor. It allows the natural sugars in the onion to caramelize slightly and the garlic to release its fragrance, creating a richer, deeper base before adding the broth and tomatoes.
When should I add the spinach so it doesn’t get mushy?
Add the chopped spinach toward the very end of cooking — just 1–2 minutes before serving. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly, keeping its bright green color and delicate texture.
How can I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and season gradually throughout cooking rather than all at once. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds natural saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt at the end.
My soup seems too thick — what should I do?
If the soup thickens more than you like (especially after sitting for a while), simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or hot water until you reach your preferred consistency. The flavors will stay balanced while the texture becomes smooth again.