Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich tomato broth. With a hint of heat and creamy goodness, this easy soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comforting meal in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold & Spicy Flavor – The heat from Italian sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy tortellini.
  • One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort required.
  • Comforting & Hearty – A warm, filling soup perfect for winter or cozy evenings.
  • Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies.
  • Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

  • Spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream (for creaminess)
  • Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • Spinach or kale (for added greens)
  • Olive oil

For Seasoning:

  • Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Paprika (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

  1. Heat Olive Oil – In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Brown the Sausage – Cook until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  3. Add Onion & Garlic – Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add Tomatoes & Broth – Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
  2. Season the Soup – Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Simmer – Let the soup cook for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Add Tortellini & Spinach

  1. Stir in Tortellini – Add fresh or frozen tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  2. Add Spinach – Stir in spinach and let it wilt.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

  1. Stir in Heavy Cream – For a creamy, silky broth.
  2. Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spice if needed.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

  1. Ladle into Bowls – Top with Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Enjoy! – Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and more red pepper flakes.
  • Mild Version – Use sweet Italian sausage instead.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap sausage for mushrooms and use veggie broth.
  • Low-Carb/Keto – Use zucchini noodles instead of tortellini.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze without tortellini for up to 3 months (add fresh tortellini when reheating).
  • Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Ravioli, gnocchi, or regular pasta work well.

How do I thicken the broth?

Let it simmer longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream.

What pairs well with this soup?

Crusty bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Just slice and add it after sautéing the onions.

How do I make this in a slow cooker?

Brown sausage first, then cook everything (except cream and tortellini) on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream and tortellini before serving.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Add 2 extra minutes of cooking time.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Just add the tortellini when reheating to prevent sogginess.

How do I get the best flavor?

Use high-quality sausage and let the soup simmer longer for richer taste.

Conclusion

This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a cozy, comforting meal loaded with bold flavors and creamy goodness. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of deliciousness!

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Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

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This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato broth. It’s easy to make, perfect for cold nights, and comes together in just 30 minutes!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed (or mild sausage + red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Extra red pepper flakes (if you love the heat!)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes).
  3. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

  1. Add onion and sauté until softened (3 minutes).
  2. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Add cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions (usually 5 minutes for fresh, 8 minutes for frozen).

Step 5: Add the Cream & Greens

  1. Stir in heavy cream and baby spinach/kale.
  2. Simmer for 2 more minutes, just until the greens wilt.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and extra red pepper flakes.
  2. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!


Notes

✔ Want it extra creamy? Use extra heavy cream or stir in a bit of cream cheese.
✔ More veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
✔ Gluten-free? Swap tortellini for gluten-free pasta or gnocchi.
✔ No spicy sausage? Use mild Italian sausage and add 1 teaspoon cayenne or smoked paprika.

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