Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup! This dish is the culinary equivalent of a cozy evening in—hearty, packed with flavor, and beautifully simple. Italian sausage delivers robust savory notes, cheese tortellini add pillowy bites of comfort, and a velvety tomato base wraps it all up. Fast enough for the busiest evenings, it comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. If you’ve been searching for that perfect “toss it all in and relax” kind of meal, this is it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is in how just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients deliver such rich, layered flavor. Each component brings something essential, so don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much—this is one time when the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts!
- Italian sausage: Choose a mild ground variety; it infuses the soup with classic hearty flavors while keeping things kid-friendly but punchy.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion sweetens as it cooks, building the soup’s savory flavor base.
- Diced tomatoes: A big can of juicy tomatoes gives you that irresistible, slow-cooked taste without the wait.
- Tomato paste: This little ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, adding depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth—this is what ties everything together and makes the soup comforting and sippable.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and irresistible aromatic notes.
- Italian seasoning: This dry herb blend rounds out the soup with the flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Kosher salt: Don’t skimp! A little kosher salt balances all the richness from the sausage and cream.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough bite to wake up your palate without overwhelming the soup.
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh, refrigerated tortellini are best for that melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy goodness.
- Heavy cream: A splash of cream at the end transforms the soup into a velvety bowlful.
- Fresh spinach: Tender greens tossed in at the end make the soup colorful and give it a light pop.
- Shaved parmesan: For serving; salty, nutty parmesan is the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Crumble in your Italian sausage and let it brown, stirring occasionally and breaking it up into bite-sized bits with your spoon. You’re looking for that deep, golden color and for all the pink to disappear—about 8 to 10 minutes should do it. If there’s a lot of grease, don’t be shy about draining a bit off (but leave a little behind for extra flavor!).
Step 2: Add Onion and Soften
Scoot the browned sausage to the side and toss in your diced onion. Allow it to soften up and turn translucent—for about 3 to 5 minutes—letting all those oniony juices mingle with the sausage. This simple step builds layers of flavor that pay off in every spoonful of soup later.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes, Broth, Garlic, and Seasonings
Now pour in your can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), plus the tomato paste and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give everything a big stir to combine. This is where the aroma really fills the kitchen and you can see the soup start to take shape. Let it come up to a gentle simmer so all those bold flavors can start to blend.
Step 4: Add Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach
Add your cheese tortellini straight from the fridge (no need to pre-cook!), along with the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Stir well so the cream swirls throughout and the spinach is evenly distributed. Keep simmering—uncovered—until the tortellini are tender and the spinach is wilted, about 8 to 10 minutes. The tortellini will soak up plenty of the good stuff, making the soup extra satisfying.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, just before serving, finish with a generous sprinkle of shaved parmesan. The cheese melts gently on top, perfectly complementing the creamy, savory soup underneath. Grab a spoon, cozy up, and enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
Freshly shaved parmesan is classic, but a few extra touches go a long way—think toasted pine nuts for crunch, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Each adds pop and personality to your bowl of One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with thick slices of crusty bread for dunking—it soaks up every drop of that creamy broth. For something lighter, a simple green salad tossed with a sharp vinaigrette balances the richness. Want to turn it into a feast? Pair with roasted vegetables or a platter of olives and marinated artichokes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, serve One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup in deep mugs with a breadstick perched on the side. Individual mini-soups in small bowls make a striking appetizer at dinner parties. Or, tuck a handful of fresh spinach into each bowl right before ladling in the hot soup, allowing it to wilt tableside—simple but impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and stashing in the fridge. The tortellini will continue to soak up a bit of broth, making the soup heartier the next day—never a bad thing! It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. Simply cool the soup base, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw and reheat, then add fresh tortellini and cream just before enjoying for best texture.
Reheating
Gentle reheating is key, whether on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen things up if the tortellini have thickened the soup. Stir frequently until piping hot—don’t boil, as this can make the tortellini a little too soft. Top with fresh parmesan and enjoy all over again!
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage delivers an extra kick that complements the creamy broth perfectly. Just taste and adjust the soup’s seasoning, as spicy sausage can bring extra salt and heat on its own.
Will dried or frozen tortellini work for One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, but fresh, refrigerated tortellini yields the tenderest result. If using dried or frozen, add them earlier and extend simmer time until they’re fully cooked. You may also need slightly more broth, since dried pasta absorbs more liquid.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Of course! Swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free tortellini and topping. The soup base is just as flavorful and satisfying.
What other greens can I use besides spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula are all delicious alternatives. Just chop greens into bite-sized pieces and allow an extra minute or two for heartier leaves to soften in the hot soup.
Can I prepare One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup in advance for a party?
Definitely. Make the soup base ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before guests arrive. Toss in the tortellini, cream, and spinach just before serving for the ideal fresh-cooked texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
If your household loves cozy, high-impact meals with minimal fuss, don’t wait another night to try One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s the soup that checks all the boxes: hearty, quick, and totally crave-worthy. Give it a go—you might just discover your new comfort food classic!
Print
One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup loaded with Italian sausage, tomatoes, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced (approximately ½ cup)
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (20 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini, refrigerated
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
For Garnish:
- parmesan cheese, shaved
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Onions: Add diced onions to the pot and cook until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in tortellini, heavy cream, and spinach. Simmer until tortellini is tender and spinach is wilted (about 8-10 minutes).
- Serve: Garnish with shaved parmesan and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
