Quick & Easy 5-Ingredient Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach: A Family Favorite Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly simple and flavorful Tortellini Soup. Requiring only five main ingredients, this delicious recipe for Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is a weeknight lifesaver, blending savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh baby spinach into a hearty broth. If you’re searching for a quick, fuss-free meal that delivers on taste and warmth, look no further!

There’s something truly special about recipes that become instant family traditions. For us, this amazing tortellini soup with sausage earned its place during one of my sister-in-law’s famous Super Bowl gatherings. She always hosts an epic “Soup-or-Salad Bowl” event, and it was at one of these lively occasions that another sister-in-law introduced us to this incredible, hearty soup. From the very first spoonful, it was a resounding hit! Its rich Italian flavors and comforting warmth made it an immediate favorite, and it’s been a staple in our family recipe rotation ever since.

The absolute best part about this Sausage Tortellini Soup? It truly only calls for FIVE simple ingredients. Yes, you read that right – F-I-V-E! In a world of complex recipes and long ingredient lists, finding a dish that’s both supremely delicious and incredibly easy to make feels like discovering culinary gold. This soup embodies simplicity without sacrificing any of the satisfying taste you crave.

Making this delightful soup is as straightforward as it gets. Start by browning some flavorful Italian sausage and draining off any excess grease. Next, simply add a can of diced tomatoes and some chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Drop in your cheese tortellini, allowing them to cook until they’re perfectly tender. Finally, stir in a couple of generous handfuls of fresh baby spinach, let it wilt for just a minute, and voilà! You’ve created one of the easiest, most delicious, and wonderfully comforting soups you’ll ever experience. It’s a testament to how fantastic meals don’t need to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

This 5-ingredient tortellini soup isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary dream for anyone seeking a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to bowl, this sausage tortellini soup is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just five core components, grocery shopping is a breeze, and you won’t be left with a cabinet full of obscure ingredients you’ll never use again.
• Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato-based broth makes this soup incredibly filling and satisfying, providing true comfort in every spoonful.
• Full of Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this soup is packed with robust Italian flavors. The spicy sausage, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini create a harmonious and deeply delicious experience.
• Customizable: While it shines with just five ingredients, this recipe also serves as an excellent base for additions. Feel free to toss in extra veggies or different spices to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this soup. The familiar flavors and comforting texture make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

And if you’re keeping with the theme of delicious Italian-inspired soups, your whole family will also adore these fantastic recipes: Italian Chicken Noodle Soup, Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, and Lasagna Soup.

Key Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Below is a closer look at the minimal yet powerful ingredients that make this sausage tortellini soup so irresistible. You’ll find the complete list, detailed instructions, and exact cooking times in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Chicken stock: This forms the flavorful base of our soup. While chicken stock offers a rich foundation, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth, beef stock, or even vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile or to make the dish vegetarian-friendly (paired with a plant-based sausage alternative). Opt for low-sodium options if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a crucial tangy sweetness and body to the soup. You can use regular diced tomatoes, petite diced for a finer texture, or even fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Canned tomatoes with garlic or Italian herbs can further enhance the soup’s Italian essence.
• Italian sausage: The star protein of this dish, Italian sausage brings a fantastic savory and slightly spicy kick. I personally love using mild Italian sausage as it provides a subtle heat that’s pleasing without being overpowering, but feel free to use hot Italian sausage if you enjoy more spice, or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor. Ground Italian sausage is ideal for easy browning, but if you can only find links, simply remove the casings before cooking.
• Cheese-filled tortellini: These tender pasta pockets are the heart of the soup, adding delightful texture and a burst of cheesy goodness. You can find refrigerated or frozen tortellini in most grocery stores, both of which work perfectly. While homemade fresh tortellini would be a treat, store-bought tortellini offers incredible convenience, allowing you to whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Baby spinach: Fresh baby spinach is added at the very end, wilting quickly to provide a vibrant green color, a touch of earthy freshness, and an extra boost of nutrients. You’ll need about two large handfuls – it seems like a lot, but it cooks down significantly.

How to Make Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach

Creating this comforting and flavorful tortellini soup is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the busiest of evenings. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious meal:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown your Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor and ensuring your soup isn’t overly oily. Return the browned sausage to the pot.

2. Simmer the Broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes and the chicken stock to the pot with the sausage. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.

3. Cook the Tortellini: Carefully add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, typically for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are al dente and tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

4. Wilt the Spinach: Just before you’re ready to serve, toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir it gently into the hot soup and let it wilt for about one minute. The residual heat from the soup will be enough to perfectly soften the spinach without overcooking it, keeping its vibrant color and tender texture.

5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot tortellini soup into bowls. For an extra touch of Italian authenticity and flavor, garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Love this Cheese Tortellini Soup with Sausage? Don’t forget to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it later!

FAQs About Tortellini Soup

Got questions about making the perfect tortellini soup? We’ve got answers!

What goes well with tortellini soup?
While this sausage tortellini soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, adding a side dish can truly elevate the dining experience. Here are some of our favorite options to complement this flavorful soup:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is always a good idea for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. Think a classic focaccia, garlic bread, or even some soft, buttery breadsticks.
• Salads: A light, crisp salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich soup. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad are excellent choices. For an extra special touch, consider serving your salad in unique Parmesan Cheese Salad Bowls!
• Garnishes: Enhance the soup itself with garnishes like homemade croutons for crunch, extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, or even some chili flakes for a bit of extra heat.

What is the difference between tortellini and tortelloni?
While both tortellini and tortelloni are beloved forms of Italian pasta, they have distinct characteristics. They share a similar ring or navel-like shape, but generally, tortelloni is larger than tortellini. Here’s a deeper dive:

• Tortellini: These smaller pasta shapes are traditionally filled with a mix of meat (such as pork, prosciutto, or mortadella) and cheese (like Parmesan) or sometimes just cheese. Tortellini are typically cooked in and served in a delicate broth, which is why they are a perfect addition to soups, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
• Tortelloni: These are the larger counterparts. They are more commonly filled with vegetarian ingredients such as ricotta cheese, often combined with spinach or parsley. Unlike tortellini, tortelloni are usually cooked in salted water and then tossed with rich sauces, most famously butter and sage, rather than served in a broth. Their larger size and typically vegetarian filling make them suitable for heartier sauce pairings.

Substitutions and Additions to Customize Your Soup

One of the beauties of this easy tortellini soup with sausage is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and additions to tailor the recipe to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Leafy Greens: While baby spinach is fantastic, you can easily swap it for other nutritious leafy greens. Kale (chopped and stems removed) or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives, adding a slightly different texture and flavor. Add them a few minutes earlier than spinach to allow them to tenderize properly.
• Protein Alternatives: If Italian sausage isn’t available or you prefer a different protein, there are many delicious options. You could use ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey) or ground beef. For added depth, cook the alternative protein with finely diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant before adding the liquids. Vegetarian sausages are also a great option to make this soup plant-based.
• Make it Creamy: For a richer, more indulgent soup, transform it into a creamy sausage tortellini soup by stirring in about a cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a splash of milk towards the end of the cooking process, just before adding the spinach. This will create a velvety texture that is incredibly comforting.
• Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding more vegetables. Sauté diced carrots and celery with the sausage, or stir in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the tomatoes.
• Herbs and Spices: Enhance the Italian flavors with additional herbs. A teaspoon of dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or a bay leaf added with the stock can deepen the taste. Fresh basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat are wonderful additions at the end.
• Tomato Paste: For a more intense tomato flavor, stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato paste when you add the diced tomatoes and before the chicken stock. It will add a concentrated richness.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Tortellini Soup

Achieving a perfect bowl of this easy tortellini soup is simple with a few helpful tips:

• Garnish Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! I love to finish this soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn leaves of fresh basil. You can also add a pinch of Italian seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little extra spice and visual appeal. For a subtle yet rich tomato flavor boost, a tablespoon or two of tomato paste can be stirred in with the diced tomatoes.
• Storage & Reheating: If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious soup, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to note that the tortellini will continue to soak up the broth as it sits, meaning the soup will thicken significantly. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you may need to thin the soup out with a bit of extra chicken stock or water while reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. I generally do not recommend freezing this soup, as pasta can become mushy and the texture of the tortellini and spinach can degrade upon thawing.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Pay close attention to the cooking time for the tortellini as specified on the package. Overcooked tortellini can become soft and lose its delightful chewiness, which can detract from the soup’s texture.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: While this recipe uses minimal ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. Use good quality Italian sausage and fresh baby spinach for the best flavor and texture.

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in the Slow Cooker

Want to transform this already simple recipe into an even more hands-off meal? This yummy tortellini soup is perfectly adaptable for your crockpot or slow cooker! It’s an excellent method for meal prepping or when you know you’ll have a busy day and want a warm meal waiting for you.

Here’s how to make it:

1. First, perform the essential step of browning your Italian sausage in a skillet on the stovetop. This builds crucial flavor and allows you to drain excess fat.
2. Once the sausage is browned and drained, add it to your slow cooker pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir everything gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the tortellini to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir.
6. Continue cooking until the tortellini are tender, about 20-30 minutes, depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen.
7. In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stir in the baby spinach, allowing it just enough time to wilt into the hot soup.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh Parmesan cheese and your favorite toppings. Enjoy the comforting ease of a slow-cooked meal!

More Soup Recipes to Love

It’s always soup season in our book, especially when the weather turns chilly! If you’re a fellow soup enthusiast and loved this easy tortellini soup, you will definitely want to add these comforting and flavorful recipes to your cooking rotation:

• Not Your Normal Tortilla Soup (pictured above): A vibrant and zesty soup packed with Mexican-inspired flavors, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
• Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the savory goodness of stuffed peppers, simmered into a hearty, comforting bowl of soup, perfect for a cozy meal.
• Taco Soup: A quick and easy, family-friendly soup bursting with all your favorite taco flavors, ideal for customization with various toppings.
• Thai Chicken Noodle Soup: An aromatic and exotic soup featuring tender chicken and noodles in a fragrant Thai-inspired broth, a true taste adventure.
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this soup brings the beloved flavors of a fully loaded baked potato into a warm bowl.

There’s an undeniable charm and warmth that only soup can provide. It’s not just easy to make and undeniably delicious, but it also offers a profound sense of comfort, making it an excellent choice during the cold winter months or any time you need a comforting, fulfilling meal. This 5-ingredient Sausage Tortellini Soup is a testament to that, promising a heartwarming experience with every spoonful.

This recipe was originally posted on February 15, 2017. It has been updated and significantly expanded to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and re-shared on February 20, 2023.