The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup to keep you cozy. With its creamy base, hearty tortellini, and perfectly seasoned sausage, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends and family, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The Italian sausage and creamy broth create a bold, savory taste.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies, adjust the creaminess, or make it spicier.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal.
Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Dried Cheese Tortellini | 250 g |
Italian Sausage | 200 g |
Olive Oil | 2 tsp |
Onion (medium, chopped) | 1 |
Garlic (minced) | 1 tbsp |
Crushed Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
Tomato Paste | 2 tbsp |
Italian Seasoning | 2 tsp |
Chili Flakes | ½ tsp |
Chicken Stock | 4 cups |
Half & Half | ½ cup (or up to 1 cup) |
Salt | To taste |
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Crumble the Italian sausage into small pieces.
- Set out all the ingredients so you’re ready to cook.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Sausage
- Stir in the crumbled sausage and cook for 2 minutes.
- Let the sausage brown slightly to enhance its flavor.
4. Build the Base
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, reserving the remaining 2 cups for later.
- Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
5. Add the Tortellini
- Gently stir in the dried tortellini.
- Switch the Instant Pot to manual mode, secure the lid, and set it to high pressure for 4 minutes.
6. Pressure Release
- Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.
- Carefully release the remaining pressure manually and open the lid.
7. Final Touches
- Switch back to sauté mode. Add the remaining chicken stock and half & half, stirring gently.
- Let the soup simmer for another 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
1. Choose Quality Tortellini
- Use dried cheese tortellini for a sturdy texture, or substitute with fresh or frozen tortellini for a quicker option.
2. Adjust the Creaminess
- Add more half & half for a richer soup or reduce it for a lighter version.
3. Enhance the Flavor
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the crushed tomatoes for extra depth.
4. Customize the Protein
- Swap Italian sausage with chicken sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 18g |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 750mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking time for the tortellini to 10–12 minutes.
2. Can I Freeze This Soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup base without the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
3. How Can I Make It Spicier?
Increase the chili flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
4. Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but you’ll lose the signature tortellini texture.
5. What Vegetables Can I Add?
Spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions to this soup.
6. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and verify that the sausage and stock are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Crusty Bread | Perfect for dipping. |
Caesar Salad | Adds a fresh, crunchy element. |
Garlic Knots | Complements the Italian flavors. |
Roasted Vegetables | Provides additional nutrition. |
Customizing Your Tortellini Soup
Add More Vegetables
- Mix in spinach, kale, or diced zucchini for added nutrients.
Go Dairy-Free
- Replace half & half with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.
Try Different Proteins
- Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or tofu crumbles are excellent substitutes.
Boost the Flavor
- Stir in fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal. The Italian sausage infuses the broth with savory goodness, while the tortellini adds a hearty, cheesy element. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Make It Tonight!
Ready to wow your family with a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Gather your ingredients, set up your Instant Pot, and let the magic happen. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends—they’ll thank you for it!
Try it out and let us know how it turns out!
PrintBest Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup! This creamy, flavorful soup is packed with tender tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 250 g dried cheese tortellini (or fresh/frozen tortellini)
- 200 g Italian sausage (mild or spicy, crumbled)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup half & half (or up to 1 cup for extra creaminess)
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Crumble the Italian sausage into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Instant Pot on medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Cook the Sausage
- Stir in the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Build the Base
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Add 2 cups of chicken stock and mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
5. Add the Tortellini
- Gently stir in the tortellini.
- Simmer the soup over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked to al dente. (For Instant Pot: Set to manual mode, high pressure for 4 minutes, then quick release.)
6. Finish the Soup
- Add the remaining chicken stock and stir in the half & half.
- Let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian