If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed meal, this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant spinach, and a rich, creamy broth that has just the right amount of kick, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it masterfully balances spice and creaminess to delight every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering a rich, layered flavor and appealing texture. From the spicy Italian sausage that brings that bold, savory heat, to the fresh spinach that adds a pop of green freshness, every element complements the creamy tortellini and robust broth to create a satisfying bowl.
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage: Provides a hearty, flavorful spice base, balancing heat with savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics without sticking.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: For complexity and that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives the soup its signature spicy kick, adjustable to your spice tolerance.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that highlights classic Italian flavors like basil and oregano.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful and comforting liquid base for the soup.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices: Infuses brightness and a slight acidity that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides lush creaminess that softens the spices and creates a velvety texture.
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Offers tender, stuffed pasta bites that make this soup truly special.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Browning the sausage well not only develops deep flavor but also gives the broth a delicious meaty base. Drain any excess fat if it seems too greasy to keep the soup balanced.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook it until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This gentle sauté brings out the natural sweetness that helps balance the spice. Then add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute until you can smell their aromatic goodness filling the pot.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry and deepen into a rich, savory broth that’s bursting with Italian flair.
Step 4: Add Cream and Tortellini
Stir in the heavy cream, which adds a luscious texture and mellows the heat just enough to create harmony. Then add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 5 to 7 minutes, until they are tender and silky in your mouth.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Season
Finally, fold in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt in the warm broth for about a minute. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference before ladling it into bowls for serving.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top is a simple way to elevate this soup instantly, adding a salty and nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the spicy sausage. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Side Dishes
This soup shines brightest when served with a crusty loaf of warm bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun entertaining, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation. Adding a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of chili oil on top can also add both visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, consider keeping the tortellini separate and add it freshly when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Freezing
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes beautifully before adding the tortellini and spinach. Freeze the broth and sausage mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, then add freshly cooked tortellini and spinach.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked tortellini and spinach near the end to warm through without overcooking. Avoid microwaving for prolonged periods to preserve the soup’s creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the spicy Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a savory depth, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian while retaining lots of flavor.
Is it possible to use dried tortellini?
Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—it usually takes longer, around 10 to 12 minutes. Add the dried pasta after the broth has finished simmering to avoid overcooking the other ingredients.
Can I reduce the spiciness?
Definitely. Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy, and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. This will give you the comforting flavor without the heat, perfect if you’re cooking for kids or prefer milder dishes.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk works well. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as thick and velvety, but the soup will still have a lovely creamy finish.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a potluck?
Yes! Prepare the soup up to the simmering stage the day before and refrigerate. Add the cream, tortellini, and spinach right before serving for the freshest taste and texture. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal to share.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is such a wonderful dish to have in your recipe arsenal. It’s simple but packed with flavor, comforting but spicy, and makes you feel like you’re wrapping yourself in a warm Italian hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular favorite in your kitchen like I have!
Print
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a rich and creamy Italian-American one-pot meal that combines spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato and cream broth. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes, this hearty soup is ideal for a comforting dinner that cooks quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant to build depth of flavor.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the heavy cream and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder soup.
- This soup freezes well before adding the tortellini and spinach—add them fresh when reheating.
