Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup – A Hearty Dinner in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for the ultimate one-pot meal that’s both budget-friendly and big on comfort, you’ve come to the right place. This sausage tortellini soup is the kind of recipe that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for a last-minute dinner with guests.

It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. And any meal that requires minimal dishes is already a winner.

Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup – A Hearty Dinner in 30 Minutes

Life is busy. Between work, school, errands, and trying to keep up with that never-ending laundry pile, dinner can sometimes feel like an afterthought. That’s why I love a good one-pot meal—it keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.

With this soup, everything happens in a single pot. You start by browning the sausage to build a rich, flavorful base. Then, in go the veggies, broth, and tomatoes to create a deep, comforting soup. The tortellini gets cooked right in the pot, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Finally, a little heavy cream brings it all together for that irresistible, velvety finish. Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• It’s a meal in a bowl. You’ve got protein, veggies, and carbs all wrapped up in one dish.
• It’s budget-friendly. A little sausage goes a long way, and tortellini is a great way to make a meal feel special without breaking the bank.
• It feeds a crowd. Need a dish for a family gathering? This one stretches easily, especially if you serve it with some crusty bread on the side.
• It’s easy to customize. Swap out the sausage for ground turkey, use a different type of tortellini, or add extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredient Swaps and Shortcuts

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t have one of the ingredients? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

• No sausage? Use ground beef, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• No fresh spinach? Kale or even frozen spinach will work just fine.
• Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or skip it altogether for a brothier soup.
• Need to save time? Use pre-chopped onions and carrots, and opt for frozen tortellini, which cooks up quickly.

How to Make It a Meal

A good soup doesn’t need much to turn it into a complete meal, but if you want to round things out, here are a few perfect pairings:

• A simple side salad – Something crisp and fresh balances out the richness of the soup.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette – Because what’s a good soup without something to dunk in it?
• A glass of wine – A light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely! If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, just follow these tips:

• Freeze before adding the tortellini. Pasta can get mushy when frozen, so if you’re planning ahead, cook the soup without the tortellini, then add it fresh when you reheat.
• Store in an airtight container. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to the freezer.
• Reheat gently. Warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

The Recipe: Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Beans and Tortellini: Stir in the cannellini beans and tortellini. Continue to simmer until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves until wilted. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread.

A Comforting Dish for Any Season

Though it’s especially great for chilly fall and winter nights, this sausage tortellini soup is a year-round staple in my kitchen. On a rainy summer evening, it’s just as comforting as it is on a crisp autumn day. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and savor the moment.

So the next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make, give this recipe a try. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Let’s Talk Soup!

Have you made this sausage tortellini soup yet? Do you have any fun variations or favorite add-ins? I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Drop a comment below and let’s swap soup stories.