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There is nothing better than an easy dinner that comes together in one pot, especially when it involves cheesy tortellini and Italian sausage! This One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup is warm, hearty, and ready in just 22 minutes.
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Savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful chicken broth make this an easy soup recipe for busy weeknights. A little garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes add plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients.
Best of all, everything cooks in the same pot. That means dinner gets on the table quickly, and you have fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Table of Contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What is tortellini soup?
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- Storage
- Quick Steps
- Make Ahead
- What to serve with One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
- If You Enjoyed One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner in 22 minutes. With only 4 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of cooking, this is an excellent last-minute dinner.
- It’s a true one-pot meal. The sausage, broth, tortellini, and spinach all cook in the same stockpot.
- It’s hearty and satisfying. Italian sausage and cheese-filled pasta make this soup substantial enough for dinner.
- Easy ingredients. You only need a handful of ingredients, and most are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Simple to customize. Change the tortellini, use ravioli, adjust the spice level, or choose mild or hot Italian sausage.
What is tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup is a broth-based soup made with small ring-shaped stuffed pasta. Tortellini can contain cheese, meat, or other fillings, making it an easy way to turn a simple soup into a filling meal.
For this sausage tortellini soup, Italian sausage adds richness to chicken broth seasoned with garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Refrigerated tortellini cooks right in the broth before fresh spinach is stirred in at the end.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Italian sausage: Ground Italian sausage adds plenty of savory flavor and makes the soup hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini makes this recipe especially quick. You can use any variety you enjoy.
Chicken broth: Six cups of broth create the base of the soup and pick up even more flavor from the browned sausage.
Garlic and Italian seasoning: These simple seasonings complement the sausage and give the broth an Italian-inspired flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Just ¼ teaspoon adds a little heat. You can leave them out for a milder soup.
Baby spinach: Fresh, chopped spinach wilts into the hot soup at the very end, adding color and vegetables without adding extra cooking time.
Parmesan cheese: A little finely shredded Parmesan on top is the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Italian sausage: Mild or hot ground Italian sausage works. If you use hot Italian sausage, you may want to omit the red pepper flakes.
- Olive oil: Another neutral cooking oil for browning the sausage.
- Garlic: Fresh minced or diced garlic works as written.
- Italian seasoning: This provides an easy blend of Italian herbs. If you don’t have a premixed Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried Italian herbs you already have.
- Red pepper flakes: Leave them out for a milder soup. If you’re using hot Italian sausage, they’re optional.
- Chicken broth: Chicken stock can be used in place of chicken broth.
- Refrigerated tortellini: Any variety works. Frozen tortellini can also be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time according to the package. Ravioli or another pasta can also be substituted.
- Baby spinach: Another tender leafy green that can work, though wilting time may vary by variety.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano is another flavorful option for topping the soup.
Variations
- Make it mild: Leave out the red pepper flakes for a soup without the extra heat.
- Turn up the heat: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier version. If you do, you can omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use frozen tortellini: Frozen tortellini works, but follow the package directions and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Try another stuffed pasta: Ravioli can replace the tortellini. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
- Use another pasta: You can also substitute another type of pasta. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes have different cooking times.
- Change the tortellini filling: Since any variety of refrigerated tortellini works, this is an easy way to change the flavor without changing the basic recipe.
Tips for Best Results
- Brown the sausage well before adding the other ingredients. Those browned bits left on the bottom of the pot add flavor to the broth when you deglaze it.
- Once you add the tortellini, follow the cooking time on its package rather than relying solely on the suggested 6 minutes. Brands and varieties can vary.
- Don’t worry about cooking the spinach separately. The heat from the soup is enough to wilt it after you remove the stockpot from the burner.
- Taste before adding any extra salt. Italian sausage, chicken broth, tortellini, and Parmesan can all contribute saltiness to the finished soup.
FAQs
Yes. Frozen tortellini works well in this soup. Follow the cooking directions on the package and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes. Ravioli is an easy substitute for tortellini. Since ravioli sizes vary, cook it according to its package directions.
Absolutely. Simply omit the red pepper flakes. For an especially mild version, use mild Italian sausage as well.
Yes. Hot Italian sausage is a great choice if you like more heat. I recommend leaving out the red pepper flakes if you’re using hot sausage, unless you want an extra-spicy soup.
The tortellini continues to absorb broth as it sits. This is normal with pasta soups and is why leftovers can have less broth than the freshly prepared soup.
Yes. Another pasta can be substituted for the tortellini. Follow the package cooking time for whichever pasta you choose.
Once you’ve stirred in the spinach, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup stand for about 5 minutes. The residual heat will wilt the spinach.
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
Keep in mind that the tortellini will continue absorbing some of the broth while the soup is stored. Leftovers may be thicker than the soup was when freshly made.
Quick Steps
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Brown the sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot and cook the Italian sausage until browned.
- Add the seasonings. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
- Add the broth. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen all those flavorful browned bits.
- Cook the tortellini. Bring the broth to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook according to the package directions.
- Wilt the spinach. Stir in the chopped baby spinach, remove the pot from the heat, and let it stand for about 5 minutes.
- Serve. Top each serving with finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
Make Ahead
You can brown the Italian sausage ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to make the soup. You can also chop the spinach in advance.
For the best texture, wait to cook the tortellini until you’re preparing the soup. Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so adding it too far in advance can make it softer and leave you with less broth.
What to serve with One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but bread makes a great addition for soaking up the flavorful broth. Serve it with warm buttered bread, garlic bread, breadsticks, or crusty Italian bread.
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A simple side salad also pairs well with the rich sausage and cheesy tortellini. For a larger meal, serve both bread and salad alongside the soup.
If You Enjoyed One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
If you love the Italian flavors in this tortellini soup, you’ll definitely want to try my Lasagna Soup. It’s another cozy way to enjoy a pasta-filled soup when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
For another hearty dinner featuring sausage, try my Sausage Stroganoff Soup. It’s a great choice when you want another comforting soup that turns sausage into a filling family meal.
My Slow Cooker Italian Parmesan Tomato Soup is another delicious option for soup season. The Italian-inspired flavors make it a natural follow-up to this sausage tortellini soup, especially when you’re in the mood for a cozy bowl of something warm.
Of course, soup is even better when there’s bread for dipping! My BEST Garlic Bread would be perfect alongside this tortellini soup, giving you something delicious to soak up every last bit of that flavorful broth.
You might also love my One Pot Creamy Bacon Spinach Pasta. It shares the easy one-pot approach and spinach from this recipe but turns them into a creamy pasta dinner instead.
When you’re craving another cozy classic, make a batch of my Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s hearty, comforting, and exactly the kind of dinner that hits the spot when cooler weather arrives.
And if the combination of pasta and spinach is your favorite part, don’t miss my Chicken Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Soup. It’s another comforting pasta soup with plenty of satisfying flavor.
Looking for even more dinner inspiration? Be sure to browse my Recipe Index, where you’ll find plenty of easy soups, pasta dishes, one-pot meals, and family-friendly recipes for every season.
📌 Save This Recipe
Keep this One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup handy for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. It takes just 22 minutes from start to finish and gives you a warm, hearty meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
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One-Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
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Equipment
- dutch oven or large stockpot
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 package refrigerated tortellini, (9 ounces), any variety
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- finely shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.2 teaspoons garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen the browned bits.6 cups chicken broth
- Bring the broth to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions, about 6 minutes.1 package refrigerated tortellini
- Stir in the spinach. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Top with finely shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Notes
🥡 Storage
- Store leftover sausage tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth as it sits.
♨️ Reheating
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the soup in a saucepan on the stovetop until heated through.
❄️ Freezing
- Pasta can become softer after freezing and thawing, so this soup is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
- If you’re intentionally making the soup ahead to freeze, the better option is to freeze the soup base without the tortellini and add freshly cooked tortellini when serving.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to build flavor before adding the broth. Be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the stockpot when adding the chicken broth.
- Cook your tortellini according to its package directions since cooking times vary by brand and filling.
🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods
I recommend the stovetop method for this recipe. Since the entire soup takes only 22 minutes and the tortellini cooks very quickly, a slow cooker doesn’t offer much benefit. The stovetop also gives you better control over the texture of the tortellini.♻️ Leftovers
- Because the tortellini absorbs broth as it sits, leftover soup may be thicker. If needed, add a little additional broth when reheating to bring it back to a soupier consistency.
📝 Notes
- Frozen tortellini can be used. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
- Ravioli or another pasta can replace the tortellini.
- Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
- If using hot Italian sausage, you can omit the red pepper flakes.
- Serve with buttered bread and a side salad.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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