Name: Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound mild ground Italian sausage; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped; 1 medium carrot, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth or stock; 28 oz diced tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Dash of crushed red pepper flakes; 10 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1 cup heavy cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 89 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, you absolutely have to try this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant kale, and just the right touch of creaminess to create a bowl of pure comfort. This soup is not only packed with flavor but is also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that your whole family will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many raw ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a square portion of light pink ground meat placed on a white plate on the top left. Below it, there is a white bowl filled with small yellow tortellini pasta. To the right of the pasta, a white bowl holds medium-sized chopped white onions. Next to it is a white bowl filled with chopped red bell peppers, and beside that, a small clear glass bowl contains diced orange carrots. Above the vegetables, on the right, there is a large white bowl full of fresh green curly kale leaves. To the left of the kale, a glass jug has bright yellow-orange broth. Above the broth, a small white bowl contains chopped green herbs. In the center of the image, a white bowl holds red crushed tomatoes. Surrounding the central items are small brown bowls filled with salt, black pepper, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and a small white dish with a bay leaf. A small brown bowl and a small patterned bowl contain minced garlic and light beige grated cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here serves a purpose, whether it’s building the bold flavors, adding texture, or bringing that beautiful pop of color to the dish. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine in this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe.

1 pound mild ground Italian sausage: The star protein that adds a rich, spicy flavor base for the soup.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation once sautéed.
1 small red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
1 medium carrot, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a nice bite to the broth.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Your classic flavor enhancer that complements the sausage perfectly.
4 cups chicken broth or stock: The comforting liquid that soaks all those amazing flavors together.
28 oz diced tomatoes: Provides a fresh, tangy backdrop to balance the richness of the sausage.
1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthiness that deepens the soup’s complexity.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that echoes the classic Italian flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes: For those delicious little hits of heat.
10 ounces cheese tortellini: The cheesy pasta that makes this soup truly special and filling.
2 cups chopped kale, stems removed: A nutritious green to brighten and bulk up the soup.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds umami and a cheesy depth.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh herbaceous notes that lighten the richness beautifully.
1 cup heavy cream, optional: For that silky, luscious finish that makes the soup feel extra indulgent.

How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by cooking the mild ground Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir occasionally to ensure it browns evenly and crumbles up nicely. Once it’s no longer pink, carefully transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and set aside. This step is crucial because it builds the rich, meaty foundation of your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and carrot. Cooking these until they’re tender unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the soup. After about 5 minutes, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its wonderful aroma without burning it.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes

Next, pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then add the bay leaf, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, which is when this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe really starts to come together by marrying the fresh and hearty flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to cook through in about 5 to 6 minutes. Cooking the tortellini right in the broth allows it to soak up all those vibrant flavors.

Step 5: Add the Sausage, Kale, and Cheese

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, then stir in the chopped kale, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. If you’re going all out, gently fold in the heavy cream to make the soup decadently creamy. If you skip the cream, simply add an extra cup of broth to keep your soup perfectly balanced and to your preferred thickness.

Step 6: Final Touches

Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving! Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’d like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for that final cheesy flourish that makes each spoonful absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with creamy orange soup that has chunks of bright red tomatoes, green leafy kale, and pale yellow tortellini pasta floating on the surface. Small bits of browned ground meat are scattered throughout the soup, adding texture and color contrast. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of yellow cheese on a dark grater beside it and a block of cheese on a small ceramic plate underneath. A gold spoon sticks inside the pot from the top left. Fresh green basil leaves and a striped cloth napkin are on the right side, adding fresh and cozy touches. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition at the table, melting slightly into the warm soup for an extra burst of umami. If you like a little brightness, scattering a few fresh basil leaves on top really complements the hearty flavors. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick for those who love some heat.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with rustic, crusty bread to soak up all the broth—that’s comfort food gold right there. Garlic bread or a warm baguette work beautifully, giving you a perfect combo of crispy texture and soft, flavorful interior. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in oversized bowls with a Parmesan crisp on the side for a salty crunch. You might also try ladling it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls—impressive and practical for soaking up every last drop. Garnishing with tiny basil leaves arranged thoughtfully can elevate the look, making it feel restaurant-quality without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the kale from becoming overly wilted. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making each next-day bite even better.

Freezing

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe can be frozen, but since tortellini can get a bit softer after thawing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta and add fresh tortellini when reheating. Portion out the soup base into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add fresh cheese tortellini during reheating and cook until tender to bring back the perfect texture, then finish with fresh Parmesan and basil for that fresh-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add more heat and depth of flavor to the soup, perfect if you enjoy a little extra kick in your meals. Just adjust the crushed red pepper flakes accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can easily make a vegetarian Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe by swapping the sausage for plant-based sausage or extra beans, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It won’t compromise on the deliciousness!

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, dried tortellini works too, but keep in mind it will take a bit longer to cook, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Add it during the simmering step and check for doneness accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter soup or don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich. Alternatively, coconut milk offers a dairy-free option with a subtle sweetness.

Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables ahead of time, then add all ingredients except the tortellini and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in tortellini and cream toward the end, cooking until the pasta is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day—full of comfort, loaded with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in many households. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into this cozy bowl of goodness that’s sure to brighten any meal.