Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

If you love warm, comforting meals that come together fairly quickly, you are going to adore this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances spicy Italian sausage with tender cheese-filled tortellini and fresh kale, all swimming in a flavorful broth that’s just begging to be ladled into a big bowl. When I first tried this recipe, it immediately became a family favorite, and I know you’ll find it a perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together to create layers of flavor without being complicated or requiring any hard-to-find items. Plus, there are some handy tips for picking the best versions as you shop.

• Mild ground Italian sausage: I prefer mild because it’s flavorful without overwhelming the other ingredients, but you can use spicy if you like a kick.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory base—make sure it’s finely chopped for even cooking.
• Red bell pepper: Fresh and crisp, it brings a nice sweetness and color contrast.
• Carrot: Adds subtle earthiness and natural sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Crucial for that warm aromatics punch; freshly minced always makes a difference.
• Chicken broth or stock: Use low sodium so you can better control salt levels.
• Diced tomatoes: I use canned fire-roasted if I want extra depth, but basic diced tomatoes work just fine.
• Bay leaf: A small touch that adds lovely earthy undertones.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavors without being harsh.
• Italian seasoning: An easy way to add a blend of herbs like oregano and basil.
• Black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes: For subtle heat and extra flavor dimension.
• Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen both work—don’t overcook or they get mushy!
• Kale: Stems removed and chopped finely; I prefer kale for texture and nutrition.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for rich umami flavor.
• Fresh basil: For finishing freshness that brightens the whole soup.
• Heavy cream (optional): I love the extra creaminess it brings, but feel free to skip if you prefer a lighter soup.

Variations

I love customizing this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand—it’s a flexible canvas for your creative touches!

• Make it spicy: Swap mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes. My husband loves it this way!
• Dairy-free: Leave out heavy cream and Parmesan; add an extra cup of broth instead for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
• Vegetable swap: Substitute kale for spinach or Swiss chard if that’s what you have—both work wonderfully.
• Protein change-up: Turkey Italian sausage makes a leaner option that I often use in summer months.

How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavor

First, get your large pot or Dutch oven heated over medium. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step because browning the sausage well adds flavor depth. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. I like to leave some of that rendered fat in the pot to cook my veggies; it’s pure flavor magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion, red bell pepper, and carrot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to sweeten—about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook just one more minute until fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell incredible, trust me!

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes, Then Cook Tortellini

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice!), bay leaf, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add your cheese tortellini, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes or until the tortellini is tender but still holds its shape. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overcook—they go from perfect to mushy surprisingly fast!

Step 4: Stir in Sausage, Kale, Cheese, and Finish

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Then, stir in the chopped kale, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. If you’re using heavy cream (which I highly recommend for that silky finish), swirl it in now. If not, you might want to add an extra cup of broth depending on how thick you like your soup. Finally, don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top—that salty nuttiness is just unbeatable. Sometimes I throw on a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little extra heat. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add lovely richness.

Side Dishes

Crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment—they’re great for sopping up the soup. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve this soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out sourdough rolls. I once brought this soup to a potluck served this way and it was the first bowl to disappear! Garnish each bowl with a basil sprig and a Parmesan crisp for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If your soup thickens too much overnight (which it usually does because of the tortellini), just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing soup with tortellini can be a bit tricky because pasta tends to soften upon freezing and thawing. I recommend freezing the soup base without tortellini if you want to prep ahead. Then cook fresh tortellini when you’re ready to eat and combine them after reheating the soup.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid breaking down the tortellini or kale. Stir occasionally, and add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. This keeps the flavors vibrant and textures just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe a try—it’s one of those meals I come back to time and time again when I want comfort food that feels special but doesn’t take forever. It’s cozy, hearty, and full of flavors that somehow make you feel wrapped up in a warm hug. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find it hard not to keep it in your regular rotation. So go on, cook this up, gather your favorite people, and enjoy bowls full of deliciousness together!

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