When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach. The first time I made this recipe, I wanted something hearty but not heavy, quick but still homemade. With savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach stirred into a flavorful broth, this soup hits the spot every time. It’s warm, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy lunches, or anytime you need a bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 10 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook until tender (about 5–6 minutes).
- Stir in spinach and cream (if using). Cook until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and crusty bread.
Substitutions
- No sausage? Use ground turkey or chicken with extra herbs.
- No spinach? Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula are tasty swaps.
- No cream? Leave it out for a lighter broth-based soup.
- Vegetarian version? Use veggie sausage and vegetable broth.
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Best frozen without tortellini (they get mushy). Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove. Add broth if soup thickens too much.
Top Tips
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture.
- Add spinach right at the end to keep it vibrant.
- For a thicker soup, mash some tortellini into the broth.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add tortellini just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Can I make it spicy?
Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.