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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Easy Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe

    Published: Sep 6, 2023 by Tabetha Klein · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    We're diving into a bowl of comfort food that's perfect for a chilly day—the Easy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup. If you're making this delicious soup for the first time, you're in for a treat! This hearty soup is a family favorite and a perfect meal that the whole family will enjoy. Let's get cooking!

    Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
    Jump to:
    • The Ingredients
    • Equipment List
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • ​Tips & Tricks
    • 🎥 Video
    • Storage & Reheating
    • Kid-Friendly Modifications
    • Similar Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    The Ingredients

    Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, especially if you opt for frozen tortellini. If you're an avid home cook, you're likely already halfway there!

    Cheese-Filled Tortellini

    Fresh cheese tortellini or frozen—either works. Cook until al dente for best results. We love the frozen Seviroli 5 Cheese Tortellini from Costco. When we moved to North Carolina from Maryland, our local Costco didn't carry it. Just find your favorite and roll with it! 

    Cheese Tortellini Pasta

    Italian Sausage

    Whether you prefer hot Italian sausage, mild Italian sausage, or sweet Italian sausage, this is the star of your tortellini soup recipe. We personally use mild sausage over spicy sausage, but only for the kids.

    Bell Pepper & Red Onion

    red, yellow, and purple bell peppers

    Fresh veggies that add color and crunch. The color of the bell pepper doesn't matter, however, we really do prefer red onion instead of white or yellow onion in this recipe. Dice 'em up!

    Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes

    Tomato paste gives us that "cooked all-day flavor". Not to be confused with tomato sauce. Diced tomatoes add body to the soup. The combination of the two works perfectly for this recipe. 

    Chicken Stock 

    Chicken stock is classic, but vegetable broth works for a lighter touch. Low-sodium chicken broth is also an option for those with salt concerns. 

    Garlic, Herbs, and Spices

    informational image showing dried basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary in small bowls

    Minced garlic or crushed garlic will work. I'm also not above using jarred garlic in this recipe. It's the aromatic backbone of this dish and the amount you add is measured with your heart. Our recipe is merely a guideline. 

    Dried basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a bay leaf. If you don't have these, Italian seasoning is a great substitute!

    Olive Oil

    The base of any good Italian dish. It's what you'll use to sauté your spicy Italian sausage and veggies. 

    Optional Add-ins

    • Fresh baby spinach - 1 cup
    • Parmesan cheese - as desired
    • Red pepper flakes - 1 tsp
    • Heavy cream for a creamy tortellini soup - ¼ cup
    • Fresh basil for garnish - as desired

    Equipment List

    Here are the kitchen tools you'll need to make this comforting soup effortlessly.

    5-Quart Dutch Oven

    Orange, oval dutch oven on a gas cooktop

    The soup pot is where all the magic happens and a large Dutch oven is our recommendation. We are absolutely obsessed with ours, but if you don't have one, a large pot will work just fine. 

    Wooden Spoon & Ladle

    For stirring and scraping those browned bits at the bottom of the pot. A heat-resistant rubber spatula will also do the trick. Oh, and don't forget a ladle is helpful when it comes time to serve it up!

    Slotted Spoon or Spider

    Helpful for easily removing the Italian sausage from the pan, making room for your bell peppers and onions to sauté to perfection.

    Optional

    • Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan
    • Fresh Spinach - add at the very end
    • Food processor for quicker veggie chopping

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Before you dive into the cooking, know that we've got you covered. Below is a more detailed walk-through of each step to guide you through the process. If you're a visual learner, don't miss the video below to follow along. And for those who like to keep things short and sweet, there's a printable recipe card at the end of the post.

    Prepping the Ingredients

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Chop Your Veggies: Small dice your bell pepper and medium onion. Mince or crush the garlic, and set to the side. 

    Measure Your Spices: Have your Italian spices ready to go.

    Find Your Can Opener: Make sure to open all your tomato and chicken stock cans ahead of time. 

    Sautéing the Sausage and Veggies

    Heat the Olive Oil: Over medium-high heat in your Dutch oven.

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage - we prefer breaking off tiny pieces and adding them to the pan until browned. It ensures bit-sized pieces and better browning.

    Remove the Sausage: Using a slotted spoon or spider (can't live without it) remove the sausage and place it in a bowl to the side. Don't drain off the excess grease!

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Add the Veggies: Toss in your chopped onion, and bell pepper, in the remaining grease and sauté for 3-5 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add your garlic last and cook for 1 additional minute.

    Adding Tomato & Stock

    Stir in Tomato Paste: Mix into the bell pepper and onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste starts to brown. 

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Add Diced Tomatoes & Stock: Deglaze with your stock and tomatoes. Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits left on the bottom of the pan from cooking the sausage and browning the tomato paste. 

    Add Herbs: Dried basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a bay leaf. Don't forget your kosher salt & fresh ground pepper! Stir well and cover. 

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Let It Simmer: Reduce heat and let your soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is when those Italian flavors really come alive.

    Introducing the Tortellini

    Add Tortellini: Fresh tortellini or frozen, add them to the pot. Cook until al dente. A good indication they are done is when they float to the top.

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Optional: For a creamier sausage and tortellini soup, stir in some heavy cream, about ¼ cup should do.

    Taste and Adjust: Adjust your kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

    ​Tips & Tricks

    The Importance of Browning

    When you brown the sausage, you're doing more than just cooking it—you're creating what's known as "fond." These browned bits at the bottom of the pot are culinary gold.

    Fond is a layer of caramelized sugars and proteins that forms as the meat cooks, and it's a flavor base you simply can't buy at the store. Incorporating this into your soup elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

    The Role of Tomato Paste

    Tomato paste might seem like a simple ingredient, but it's a powerhouse when it comes to adding depth and richness. When you brown the tomato paste, you're essentially doing the same thing as browning the meat—you're creating a fond of tomatoey goodness.

    This process unlocks a deep, rich flavor "umami" flavor which adds complexity and a savory note to your soup that's different from what you'd get with just tomato sauce.

    Layering Herbs

    Using a mix of dried herbs or Italian seasoning creates a complex flavor profile. You can absolutely adjust this to your personal preferences. More garlic, less thyme, fresh herbs vs. dried, it's all up to you. 

    🎥 Video

    Storage & Reheating

    We all know that sometimes, the only thing better than a freshly cooked meal is enjoying the leftovers the next day.

    Short-Term Storage

    For keeping your soup fresh for the next day or two, an airtight container is your best friend. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing it up and popping it in the fridge. It'll stay delicious for 3-4 days. We use these glass pop-top-style containers and love them. 

    Freezer-Friendly

    If you're planning for the long haul, this soup is freezer-friendly! Once the soup has cooled, ladle it into a freezer container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Your future self will thank you when you rediscover this comfort food gem on a day you don't feel like cooking.

    Reheating

    When you're ready to dive back into this delicious soup, reheating is simple. If it's coming from the fridge, a few minutes on medium heat on the stovetop will do the trick.

    For frozen soup, it's best to thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove. Either way, you might find that the flavors have melded even more, making for an even tastier experience.

    Pairings

    Whether you're whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends this weekend, we have some pairing possibilities for you. For a casual evening, this soup pairs wonderfully with good, crusty bread that can sop up every last bit of broth from the bottom of everyone's bowl.

    medium cheese board with brie, aged gouda, olives, and crackers

    If you're looking to elevate the experience, why not consider a small cheeseboard or charcuterie board? It's a delightful way to start the meal and keeps the Italian theme going strong. For inspiration, check out our charcuterie board posts to make your spread as irresistible as the soup itself.

    For those who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a light Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris would complement the flavors beautifully, balancing the richness of the sausage and the acidity of the tomatoes.

    Kid-Friendly Modifications

    For picky eaters, you can omit the red pepper flakes and opt for mild Italian sausage. Also, consider using petite diced or crushed tomatoes instead of diced. I've found the smaller the pieces the less scary kids think they are. 

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    Thank you for cooking along with me! I hope this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup becomes a staple in your home. Don't forget to check out the printable recipe card and affiliate links for equipment below.

    📖 Recipe

    Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

    Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Tender tortellini paired with Italian sausage and tomatoes makes this dish perfect for warming up on a cold day. Kid-approved, this is one of those dishes the kids specifically ask for.
    2 ratings (Click stars to rate)
    Recipe by - Tabetha Klein
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 608 kcal

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven
    • Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Spider
    • Rubber Spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 pound Italian Sausage - broken into small pieces
    • 1 Bell Pepper - diced
    • 2 tablespoon Garlic
    • 1 Red Onion - diced
    • 3 oz Tomato Paste - ½ small can
    • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes
    • 6 cups Chicken Stock
    • 2 teaspoon Dried Basil
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
    • 1 ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
    • 1 Bay Leaf
    • Kosher Salt
    • Fresh Ground Pepper
    • 3 cups Tortellini

    Instructions
     

    • Dice the bell peppers and onions and set to the side.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Mince your garlic, use a garlic press, or you can use pre-minced and set aside.
    • Using a dutch oven or a large pot, add olive oil to the pan and put on medium/high heat.
    • Add the Italian sausage to the pan. Try not to stir around in the pan, and let it get a good brown color to it. Browning = Flavor.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Once browned, remove the Italian sausage from the pan and set it to the side.
    • Add the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Next, the onion and cook for 1 minute.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Then, the garlic and cook until you can really smell it, but don't let it turn brown.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Now, the tomato paste and stir together with your pepper, onion, garlic mixture.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Let this brown a little, for around 2 minutes.
    • Next, add your diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian sausage, and spices into your pot and bring it all up to a simmer. Season with kosher salt & fresh ground pepper.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Turn the heat down to medium-low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
    • Taste for seasoning! This is important. Don't forget to stop now and see if you need another pinch of salt, a crank of pepper, or if you want to spice it up with some red pepper flake, now is a great time.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Add your tortellini and cook until done. The cook time will depend on if they are frozen, refrigerated, or fresh.
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup
    • Ladle into a bowl and enjoy!!
      Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup

    Video

    Notes

    Spice It Up

    If you're a fan of heat, feel free to add about 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or about 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to this dish. It'll give your soup that extra kick!

    My Costco Favorites

    I'm a Costco girl through and through. I highly recommend their chicken stock, tortellini, and Italian sausage. It's not just about the convenience of getting them all in one place; they genuinely offer superior quality for this recipe.

    Smooth vs Chunky

    If you're not a fan of tomato chunks, opt for crushed tomatoes instead of diced. You'll get a smoother finish that's just as delicious.
    These notes are your key to customizing this Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup to your own taste and preferences. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 608kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 27gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 1436mgPotassium: 934mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1016IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword italian sausage, soup, tortellini
    Tried this recipe?Mention @tabethas.table!

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    My journey began at Le Cordon Bleu where my love of cooking & subsequently teaching really baked in. This is me pouring out what I've learned over the years & sharing it with the world. We are so glad you're here and hope you find something delicious while you're at it.

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