Discover the ultimate comfort food with our incredibly easy and flavorful Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach. This delightful dish, bursting with authentic Italian flavors, requires just five simple ingredients and comes together in mere minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, savory broth, this recipe promises a hearty and satisfying experience for the whole family.
There’s something truly special about a recipe that brings people together, and this Tortellini Soup with Sausage holds a cherished spot in our family’s culinary traditions. I first encountered this fantastic soup at a Super Bowl gathering hosted by my sister-in-law, where a “Soup-or-Salad Bowl” theme was often embraced. On that memorable day, another sister-in-law brought this incredibly hearty and flavorful soup, and it was an instant hit. The rich aroma, the robust taste of Italian sausage, and the tender tortellini captivated everyone at the table. From that moment on, it became a highly requested family favorite, a testament to its irresistible charm and ease of preparation.
The Magic of Five Ingredients: Effortless Italian Delight
What truly sets this Tortellini Soup apart is its astounding simplicity. Want to know the best part about this truly exceptional Tortellini Soup? It calls for only five ingredients. Yes, you read that right – F-I-V-E! In a world where gourmet cooking often demands extensive ingredient lists and complicated steps, this recipe offers a refreshing return to basics without compromising on flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create something utterly delicious and deeply satisfying. This minimalist approach not only saves time and effort but also highlights the quality of each individual component, allowing their natural flavors to shine through beautifully.
The process is wonderfully straightforward: Begin by browning some spicy Italian sausage, then drain any excess grease to keep the soup light and flavorful. Next, simply add a can of diced tomatoes and a generous amount of chicken stock to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, introduce the cheese tortellini and cook until perfectly al dente. Just before serving, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt beautifully in the warm broth. And just like that, you have created the easiest, most flavorful, and incredibly satisfying soup you’ve ever made!
If you’re already captivated by the authentic Italian essence of this soup, you’ll be thrilled to explore more recipes that deliver similar comforting flavors. Your entire family will undoubtedly adore these other Italian-inspired soup creations: Italian Chicken Noodle Soup, a warm and familiar classic with an Italian twist; Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, a decadent and rich option; and Lasagna Soup, all the beloved flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sausage Tortellini Soup
Crafting this delicious Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is surprisingly simple, thanks to its short and sweet ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s robust flavor profile. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the five essential ingredients, along with helpful tips for selection and potential substitutions. The complete instructions and precise cooking times are conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
- Chicken Stock: The Foundation of Flavor
* This liquid gold provides the savory base for our soup. For the richest flavor, opt for a good quality chicken stock. If you’re looking to control sodium levels, a low-sodium chicken stock is an excellent choice.
* **Substitution Tip:** Feel free to substitute with chicken broth for a slightly lighter flavor, beef stock for a deeper, more robust taste, or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian base (though you’d need to swap the sausage as well). Homemade stock will always elevate the soup to another level. - Diced Tomatoes: Tangy Brightness and Texture
* Diced tomatoes contribute a lovely acidity and subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage and broth. They also add texture to each spoonful.
* **Selection Tip:** You can use regular diced tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes for smaller pieces, or even canned tomatoes infused with garlic or fire-roasted varieties for an extra layer of flavor. - Italian Sausage: The Heart of the Soup
* The Italian sausage is the star here, infusing the entire soup with its aromatic spices and savory goodness. Its fat renders into the broth, adding incredible depth.
* **Selection Tip:** I personally love mild Italian sausage as it provides a subtle warmth without being overpowering. However, if you enjoy a kick, hot Italian sausage is a fantastic alternative. For a less spicy option, sweet Italian sausage works wonderfully.
* **Preparation Tip:** Look for ground Italian sausage for ease of use. If you can only find links, simply remove the casings before browning. Ensure you drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent the soup from becoming too oily. - Cheese-Filled Tortellini: Pillows of Pasta Perfection
* These delightful pasta pockets, filled with creamy cheese, add substance and a wonderful textural contrast to the soup. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully.
* **Selection Tip:** You’ll typically find refrigerated or frozen tortellini in the pasta or freezer section of your grocery store. Fresh, homemade tortellini would be a luxurious touch if you have the time, but good quality store-bought tortellini makes this soup incredibly convenient and delicious. - Baby Spinach: A Burst of Freshness and Color
* Fresh baby spinach is added at the very end, wilting quickly into the hot soup and providing a vibrant pop of color, a touch of earthiness, and a boost of nutrients.
* **Quantity Tip:** About two big handfuls, or approximately 4 cups, is ideal. It might look like a lot initially, but it cooks down significantly.
How to Master Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach
Creating this hearty and comforting Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is remarkably simple, designed for cooks of all skill levels. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to achieve perfect results every time:
1. Brown the Sausage: Begin by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This prevents the soup from becoming overly oily. Return the browned sausage to the pot.
2. Simmer the Broth: To the pot with the sausage, add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, as the liquid adds flavor) and the chicken stock. Stir everything together gently. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, which is typically just a few minutes, until the tortellini are tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Keep a close eye on them during this stage.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Just before you’re ready to serve, toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir it gently into the hot soup. The residual heat will quickly wilt the spinach, typically in about one minute. You want it just tender, bright green, and not overcooked.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch of Italian authenticity and flavor, garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A few fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, also make a beautiful and aromatic addition. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful!
Love this incredibly easy and delicious Cheese Tortellini Soup with Sausage? Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes! Share the comfort with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortellini Soup
We’ve gathered some common questions about Tortellini Soup to help you make the most of this delightful recipe, from perfect pairings to ingredient insights and preparation tips.
What goes wonderfully with tortellini soup? While this hearty soup is certainly satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, adding a delicious side dish can truly complete the experience. For a textural crunch, garnish your soup with some homemade croutons or elegant Parmesan crisps. To soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth, a warm, crusty bread is always a fantastic idea. Consider serving slices of Focaccia, a simple flatbread, or classic breadsticks. Nothing complements a bowl of soup quite like a fresh salad. You can opt for a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, a crisp Caesar salad, or for a truly impressive presentation, serve your salad in one of these unique Parmesan Cheese Salad Bowls!
What’s the difference between tortellini and tortelloni? Both tortellini and tortelloni are beloved Italian pasta shapes, but they differ primarily in size and traditional fillings/preparations. Tortellini are typically smaller, delicate, ring-shaped pasta. They are often filled with meat (like pork, prosciutto, or chicken), but can also contain cheese fillings such as Parmesan or ricotta. Because of their size and typical fillings, tortellini are traditionally cooked in and served with a flavorful broth, making them an ideal addition to soups like this one. Tortelloni, on the other hand, are larger versions of tortellini. They are almost exclusively filled with creamy ricotta cheese, sometimes combined with spinach or parsley. Due to their larger size and more delicate cheese filling, tortelloni are usually cooked in water and then served with lighter sauces, such as melted butter and sage, rather than being submerged in broth.
Can I prepare this tortellini soup ahead of time? While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare parts of it in advance. You can cook the Italian sausage and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also mix the chicken stock and diced tomatoes and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply combine the pre-cooked sausage with the stock and tomatoes, bring to a boil, then add the tortellini and spinach. This cuts down on active cooking time significantly. However, it’s generally best to add the tortellini and spinach right before serving, as tortellini can become very soft and absorb too much broth if left sitting in the soup for too long.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to note that the tortellini will continue to soak up the broth as it sits, making the soup thicker. When reheating, you may need to thin the soup out by adding a splash of extra chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in individual portions.
Is this soup suitable for freezing? I generally do not recommend freezing this soup. The cheese tortellini tends to become mushy and the texture can change significantly after thawing, becoming less appealing. The spinach can also become watery and lose its vibrant texture. If you want to freeze parts of the soup, you could freeze the cooked sausage, broth, and tomato base separately, then add fresh tortellini and spinach when reheating.
Flavorful Substitutions and Creative Additions
This Tortellini Soup with Sausage is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
- Greens Swap: While baby spinach is a classic choice, you can easily swap it for other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. If using kale, especially a heartier variety, you might want to add it a few minutes earlier than the spinach to ensure it softens sufficiently.
- Protein Alternatives: If Italian sausage isn’t available or you’re looking for a different flavor profile, this soup is also delicious with other ground meats. You can try it with ground chicken or ground turkey, seasoned with Italian herbs, or even ground beef. For an extra layer of flavor, brown your chosen ground meat with finely diced onion and minced garlic before adding the other ingredients. For a vegetarian version, consider using a plant-based Italian sausage alternative.
- Make it Creamy: For a truly decadent and comforting experience, transform this recipe into a creamy tortellini soup. Simply stir in about a cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a swirl of cream cheese (softened) at the very end, just before adding the spinach. This will create a luscious, rich broth that beautifully coats the tortellini and sausage.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture of your soup by incorporating additional vegetables. Sautéing diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the sausage can add extra depth and color. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even a can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) would also be fantastic additions.
- Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the diced tomatoes. For an extra aromatic touch, add a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tortellini Soup
Elevate your Tortellini Soup with these simple yet effective tips and tricks, ensuring every bowl is packed with maximum flavor and perfect texture.
- Garnish for Excellence: A great soup deserves a fantastic finish! I absolutely love garnishing this soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn fresh basil leaves. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth. You can also sprinkle a little Italian seasoning or freshly cracked black pepper for an aromatic boost. For a subtle, bright tang and an extra pop of tomato flavor, consider stirring in a tablespoon or two of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes and broth.
- Storage and Reheating Wisdom: If you happen to have any leftovers – which is a rare occurrence with this delicious soup! – store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A key tip to remember is that the tortellini will continue to soak up the broth as the soup sits. This means your leftovers might be much thicker than the freshly made soup. Don’t worry, this is completely normal! Simply thin the soup out with a little extra chicken stock or water when you reheat it, stirring until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Freezing Not Recommended: While many soups freeze well, I do not recommend freezing this particular tortellini soup. The delicate cheese tortellini tends to become mushy and the texture can significantly degrade after freezing and thawing, diminishing the overall enjoyment of the dish.
- Enhance the Broth: For an even deeper, more complex broth, you can sauté a finely diced onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic with the Italian sausage before browning. These aromatics will add layers of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Pay close attention to the cooking time on your tortellini package. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which you want to avoid. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage Adaptation
Transform this quick stovetop favorite into a convenient slow cooker meal, perfect for those days when you need dinner to cook itself. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in an even richer, more comforting soup with minimal effort.
To make this yummy soup in your crockpot, simply follow these easy steps: After browning your Italian sausage in a skillet (don’t forget to drain the excess grease!), transfer the cooked sausage to your slow cooker pot. Add the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes to the crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This slow simmering will allow the flavors to deepen and the broth to become incredibly aromatic. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the tortellini are tender. Finally, about 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt gently in the hot soup. Serve hot, garnished with fresh Parmesan cheese, and enjoy your effortlessly delicious slow cooker meal!
More Soul-Warming Soup Recipes to Love
As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of soup. If you’re a fellow soup enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to add these incredible recipes to your rotation. Each offers a unique blend of flavors and promises to become a new family favorite:
- Not Your Normal Tortilla Soup (pictured above): A vibrant and zesty soup, this isn’t your average tortilla soup. It’s packed with unique flavors and textures that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
- Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the beloved flavors of classic stuffed peppers are transformed into a comforting and hearty soup, perfect for a filling meal.
- Taco Soup: A fun and flavorful one-pot wonder that brings all the zesty, spicy, and savory elements of tacos into a convenient and delicious soup format.
- Thai Chicken Noodle Soup: Journey to Thailand with this exotic and aromatic noodle soup, featuring tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a beautifully spiced broth.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Indulge in the rich, creamy, and satisfying flavors of a fully loaded baked potato, transformed into a comforting soup.
I wholeheartedly believe in the power of soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Easy to prepare, incredibly comforting, endlessly delicious, and always a brilliant idea, especially during the colder winter months. This Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical and deeply satisfying.
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Print Recipe
Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Sausage
Equipment
- OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
- AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Ingredients
- 48 ounces chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 1 20 ounce package of cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach about two big handfuls
Instructions
- In a soup pot or Dutch oven, brown your Italian sausage. Drain any excess grease and return to the pot.
- Add in the tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
- Add in tortellini and cook until done.
- Right before serving, Toss in spinach and give it a minute to wilt.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
This incredible recipe was originally posted on February 15, 2017. To enhance user experience, improve clarity, and provide additional valuable content, it has been thoroughly updated and re-shared on February 20, 2023.
