30-Minute Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
A hearty one-pot soup combining spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and wilted spinach in a rich tomato-herb broth. The sausage provides robust flavor while Parmigiano Reggiano melts into the broth for added richness. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cold weather comfort food. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep required.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 6 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste(optional)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 pound cheese tortellini, gluten free for gluten free
- ½ cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 10 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup basil, chopped(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in large sauce pan over medium-high heat
- 2
Add sausage and onions, cook breaking sausage with spoon until cooked through, about 6-10 minutes
- 3
Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant about 1 minute
- 4
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and tortellini
- 5
Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until tortellini is cooked, about 7-10 minutes
- 6
Add cheese and spinach, cook until cheese melts and spinach wilts, about 1 minute
- 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste
- 8
Mix in basil and remove from heat
Tips
Brown sausage thoroughly for best flavor development and to prevent greasy broth
Add spinach at the very end to prevent overcooking and maintain bright green color
Use fresh tortellini for best texture, but frozen works well too
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
Can make 1 day ahead, add spinach when reheating
Serve hot with crusty bread and extra Parmesan
Common Mistakes
Don't add spinach too early to avoid mushy texture
Remove sausage casings completely to prevent tough pieces
Don't skip browning sausage to avoid greasy broth
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Add directly to soup without thawing and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes longer.
What if I don't have Italian sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken, or beef work well. Season with fennel seed, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to mimic sausage flavor.
How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some broth, so add extra when reheating if needed.