This Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is an Easy One-Pot Italian Soup that is perfect for feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or making ahead on a chilly day when you just want a big bowl of something comforting and filling. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in one pot with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Italian sausage adds rich, savory flavor, cheese tortellini makes it filling and satisfying, and the tomato-based broth is seasoned just right with classic Italian herbs.
I love this soup for busy weeknights when I want something warm and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. It simmers low and slow, filling the house with the best cozy smell, and the spinach gets stirred in at the end so it stays fresh and tender. Serve it with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a full dinner that is not only delicious but even the kids love it!
What Is Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup Exactly?
Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is a classic Italian-inspired soup made with browned Italian sausage, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach. Everything cooks together in one pot, creating a hearty soup that eats like a full meal.
Unlike cream-based tortellini soups, this version has a tomato broth that keeps it lighter while still being deeply flavorful. The sausage adds richness, the tortellini provides texture and substance, and the spinach balances everything with a pop of freshness.
It is simple, filling, and incredibly versatile, perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because every ingredient has a purpose and the cooking order builds flavor naturally.
Browning the sausage first adds depth and richness to the entire pot. Cooking the onion and garlic in those drippings layers in savory flavor before any liquid is added. Letting the broth and tomatoes simmer gives the herbs time to bloom and soften, creating a balanced base before the tortellini goes in.
Adding the tortellini near the end prevents it from overcooking, while stirring in the spinach last keeps it tender instead of mushy. Everything comes together at just the right time, with no extra steps or unnecessary ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those soups that becomes a regular rotation meal, and here’s why.
It is a true one-pot dinner, which means minimal cleanup.
The soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but also pairs perfectly with bread or salad.
It reheats well for leftovers and meal prep.
This is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
It feels comforting without being heavy or overly rich.
It is also family-friendly, approachable, and forgiving, which is exactly what most of us need on a busy day.
Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do
Olive oil
Used to sauté the onion and start building flavor at the base of the soup.
Yellow onion
Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks down.
Italian sausage
The star ingredient brings richness, seasoning, and protein. Mild or spicy both work.
Garlic
Adds aroma and classic Italian flavor once the sausage is browned.
Chicken broth
Creates the soup base and balances the tomatoes and sausage.
Crushed tomatoes
Gives the soup body, color, and a lightly acidic balance.
Dried oregano and basil
Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and familiarity.
Red pepper flakes
Optional, but great for adding a little heat.
Cheese tortellini
Makes the soup filling and satisfying, turning it into a complete meal.
Fresh spinach
Adds color, freshness, and a light texture to finish the soup.
Salt and pepper
Used to adjust and balance all the flavors.
When to Serve This Soup, Serving Ideas
This soup is perfect for fall and winter, but honestly works year-round.
Serve it as a weeknight dinner with crusty bread or garlic knots.
Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve it in smaller portions as a starter for Italian-style dinners.
It works great for casual gatherings, potlucks, or soup nights.
It is filling enough to stand on its own, but flexible enough to fit into almost any meal plan.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This soup is excellent for making ahead, with a few simple tips.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The tortellini will absorb some of the broth over time, so the soup may thicken.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and warm gently on the stovetop.
For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the tortellini, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Variations & Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option.
Swap cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom tortellini.
Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach, adding it earlier to soften.
Add heavy cream at the end for a creamy version.
Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
This soup adapts easily to your preferences and pantry.
Budget Breakdown
This is a very budget-friendly soup for how filling it is.
Italian sausage, 1 lb: budget friendly protein
Tortellini: affordable and filling
Canned tomatoes and broth: pantry staples
Spinach: inexpensive fresh vegetable
You can easily feed 6 to 8 people for the cost of one takeout meal, making this a great option for family dinners.
Troubleshooting Tips
Soup too thick after storing
Add more broth when reheating.
Tortellini too soft
Add tortellini only when reheating leftovers or freeze without pasta.
Soup tastes flat
Add a pinch of salt or a splash of broth and reheat gently.
Too spicy
Use mild sausage and skip red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 350–400
Protein: 18–22g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 18–22g
Values vary based on sausage and tortellini used.
What Makes This Soup Different From Other Tortellini Soups
What sets this Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup apart is the balance. A lot of tortellini soups lean too heavy, too creamy, or overly rich, but this one stays comforting without feeling weighed down. The sausage adds deep, savory flavor right from the start, building a rich base without needing a long simmer. Using tortellini instead of plain pasta makes the soup feel hearty and satisfying, even with a simple broth.
The spinach is stirred in at the end so it stays bright and tender instead of overcooked. That little detail makes a big difference in both texture and flavor. You get bites of juicy sausage, soft cheese filled tortellini, and fresh spinach all in one spoonful, which keeps the soup interesting from start to finish.
Another thing that makes this recipe special is that everything happens in one pot. No separate boiling, no extra pans, no complicated steps. It is the kind of recipe you can make on a busy night but still feel proud to serve. It tastes like something that simmered all afternoon, even though it comes together quickly.
How to Make This Soup a Complete Meal
This Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is filling enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides if you want to turn it into a full Italian style dinner.
A warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is always a good choice. The broth is flavorful and perfect for dipping, and no one ever complains about extra bread at the table. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works well and adds a fresh contrast to the rich sausage and tortellini.
If you are feeding a crowd or want leftovers to stretch further, you can serve the soup alongside roasted vegetables, a small antipasto platter, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy twist. This soup is flexible and fits easily into whatever kind of meal you are planning, whether it is a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend supper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup
Can I make sausage spinach tortellini soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is great for making ahead. The flavors actually deepen as it sits. If possible, store the tortellini separately or add extra broth when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Can I freeze sausage tortellini soup?
Yes, but for best results freeze the soup before adding the tortellini. Pasta absorbs liquid when frozen and thawed, which can make it mushy. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage works best, either mild or spicy. Pork sausage gives the richest flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works well too.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking. Do not boil after adding cream.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just increase cooking time by a few minutes until tender.
How do I keep tortellini from overcooking?
Add it near the end and cook just until tender. Avoid boiling too long.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage first, then add everything except tortellini and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 2–3 hours. Add tortellini and spinach near the end.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage. Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly. Spicy sausage or red pepper flakes add heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
What should I serve with sausage spinach tortellini soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables all pair well.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
This is one of those soups I make when I want something reliable. It never disappoints, it is easy to double, and everyone eats it without complaint. I love how flexible it is, and how comforting it feels without being heavy.
It is also one of those recipes that makes the house smell amazing while it simmers, which always makes dinner feel more special.
My Final Thoughts
Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is simple, cozy, and dependable, the kind of recipe you come back to again and again. It is easy enough for weeknights, filling enough for a full dinner, and flexible enough to make your own.
If you are looking for an easy one-pot Italian soup that tastes like you put in more effort than you did, this is one you will want to save.
Tortellini Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini
- Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini
- Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 9-ounce package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach packed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add the tortellini to the pot and simmer for 4-6 minutes or until the tortellini are tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in the spinach, and cover the pot. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes or until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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