The Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup for Any Occasion
Sausage tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish that has become a staple in many households. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients make it an irresistible choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you prepare it in a slow cooker or an instant pot, this soup delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. In this blog, you’ll discover how to make the best sausage tortellini soup and learn tips to customize it to suit your preferences.
Why Sausage Tortellini Soup is So Popular
Tortellini soup has gained immense popularity due to its versatility and ease of preparation. This delicious and nutritious soup is packed with Italian sausage, fresh or frozen tortellini, and nutrient-rich vegetables like kale and spinach. The combination of creamy broth and tender pasta creates a comforting experience everyone loves.
This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy-to-cook and satisfying meal. It’s also a great way to warm up during cold weather, making it a favorite for fall and winter.
Preparing Sausage Tortellini Soup
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot or skillet. Cook the sausage until it’s fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the pot for extra flavor.
Next, sauté the diced onion in the same pot until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about two minutes to deepen its flavor.
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Adding Tortellini and Vegetables
Once the broth is flavorful, add the tortellini and cook until they are tender. If you’re using fresh tortellini, this will take about five minutes. Frozen tortellini may take slightly longer. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.
Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, or kale, and let the vegetables wilt. This step adds a burst of color and nutrients to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Using a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
For those who love hands-off cooking, sausage tortellini soup is perfect for the slow cooker or instant pot. To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic on the stovetop before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini, cream, and spinach or kale.
To make the soup in an instant pot, use the sauté function to brown the sausage and cook the onion and garlic. Add the broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, then set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for five minutes. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release, then stir in the tortellini, cream, and greens.
Tips for the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in sausage tortellini soup starts with the balance of ingredients and cooking techniques. Use a good-quality heavy cream and stir it in at the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling. If you find the soup too tangy due to the tomatoes, a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity without overpowering the dish. On the other hand, if the soup tastes bland, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the flavor profile.
When seasoning, taste the soup as it simmers and adjust salt and pepper incrementally. Keep in mind that ingredients like Parmesan cheese and sausage often add their own saltiness. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning while the soup is simmering and removing it before serving.
To avoid overcooking the tortellini, add it just a few minutes before serving and keep a close watch. Overcooked tortellini can lose its delightful texture. If you’re preparing the soup for later consumption, cook the tortellini separately and combine it with the soup just before serving.
For a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked vegetables in the broth or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. If you prefer a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add more broth to adjust the thickness.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Sausage tortellini soup is an excellent meal to prep ahead or enjoy the next day. To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This step helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the soup’s flavor and consistency. Refrigerate the soup for up to three days, keeping it at a consistent temperature to maintain its freshness.
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in shorter intervals to avoid overcooking the tortellini. You might notice the soup thickening as it sits; adding a splash of broth, cream, or even water can help restore its original creamy texture. Stir frequently while reheating to ensure even heat distribution.
If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the tortellini. Pasta tends to lose its texture and become mushy after freezing and thawing. Instead, freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents to track their freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, heat it on the stove, and add fresh tortellini to cook right before serving.
To avoid freezer burn, consider using freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed containers and remove as much air as possible before sealing. For added convenience, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers to make reheating faster and easier. This approach is especially helpful for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Sausage tortellini soup makes excellent leftovers. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini, as the pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to eat, thaw the soup, heat it, and add fresh tortellini before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that works well in this soup. It provides a slightly different flavor but still pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. You can also experiment with chicken sausage for a mild and kid-friendly option.
What’s the difference between fresh and dried tortellini?
Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a tender, delicate texture, making it perfect for a creamy soup like this. Dried tortellini, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life and requires more cooking time but is an excellent pantry staple. Both options are suitable depending on your preference and availability.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to enhance the flavors. Alternatively, plant-based sausage is a great substitute for maintaining a hearty texture.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini, which is available in many stores. Ensure that the broth and sausage are also labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
What can I use as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?
For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a great alternative to heavy cream. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients. You could also use cashew cream for a rich and creamy texture.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Simply prepare the base, freeze it, and add fresh tortellini when you’re ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage tortellini soup is one of those recipes that’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy broth, tender pasta, and flavorful sausage creates a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s perfect for serving at family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.
Final Thoughts
Sausage tortellini soup is a versatile and comforting dish that belongs in every cook’s repertoire. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an instant pot, the result is a bowl of hearty, creamy goodness. By using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with different flavors, you can create a soup that’s uniquely yours.
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Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Discover how to make creamy sausage tortellini soup with Italian sausage, tender pasta, and rich flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground Italian Sausage
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14.5-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth
- 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups arugula or spinach
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh thyme optional fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Brown the Italian Sausage in a Dutch Oven or stockpot over medium heat. When it is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the sausage is done browning and the onion has softened.
- Turn the heat to low and add the garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- In a small bowl, whisk the tomato paste with about 1/2 cup of beef broth. Add the vegetable broth, remaining beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and thinned-out tomato paste. Increase the heat to medium and bring it to a low boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the cheese tortellini and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the arugula. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle each bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or fresh basil.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh baby spinach for arugula without changing the recipe. Remember to remove the large stems.
- Most grocery stores carry refrigerated pasta, although you may have to ask where it is in the store. You can always substitute frozen cheese tortellini or even dried tortellini.
- Dried herbs work best in soup, where their flavors have time to permeate the whole pot. I like to add them to the fat from the Italian sausage and cook for about a minute. This technique is known as blooming.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 456kcal
- Sugar: Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: Sodium: 988mg
- Fat: Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: Fiber: 3g
- Protein: Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Creamy Tortellini Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Hearty Sausage Pasta Soup