The question mark isn’t about whether it’s good—it’s about whether something this rich and flavorful can truly be made in 30 minutes. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” This Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a creamy, tomato-based masterpiece that comes together in a single pot in half an hour.
It combines spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled pasta, and fresh spinach in a broth that strikes the perfect balance between a light vegetable soup and a heavy cream chowder. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy nights, requiring minimal chopping and delivering maximum satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Speed Shortcut
The secret to the speed is using refrigerated cheese tortellini. Unlike dried pasta which takes longer to cook, fresh tortellini is ready in 3-5 minutes. Combined with quick-cooking sausage and spinach, the entire soup is ready as soon as the broth comes to a simmer.
Complex Flavor, Simple Steps
Browning the sausage in the pot builds a deep flavor base (the “fond”) that infuses the broth instantly. Adding a splash of cream and a handful of parmesan at the end makes it feel luxurious without hours of simmering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 pack (20oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Brown sausage and onion in a large pot. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Add tortellini. Simmer 3-5 mins until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cream. Heat through (do not boil).
- Serve with parmesan cheese.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Italian Sausage: Mild or hot, casings removed. This is the flavor powerhouse.
Refrigerated Tortellini: Cheese or spinach filled.
Chicken Broth & Crushed Tomatoes: The base liquids.
Heavy Cream: Just a half-cup transforms the texture.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color and nutrients.
Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation.
Smart Substitutions
Turkey sausage works for a lighter meal. You can use kale instead of spinach (simmer it a few minutes longer). For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or simply omit the cream—the tomato base is delicious on its own.
If you are a soup lover, try this Creamy Easy Potato Soup for another bowl of warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Remove sausage from casings. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cooking Phase
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add the refrigerated tortellini. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta floats and is tender.
The Finish: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let the spinach wilt (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.
Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with grated parmesan.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Add the tortellini right before you plan to eat. If they sit in the hot broth for 30 minutes, they will bloat and become mushy.
Deglaze: When you add the broth, scrape the bottom of the pot. Those brown bits from the sausage add incredible savory depth to the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Boiling the soup after adding the cream. High heat can cause dairy to curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer or remove from heat once the cream is in.
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sauté | 7 Mins | Brown sausage & onion |
| 2. Simmer | 15 Mins | Bring broth to boil |
| 3. Pasta | 5 Mins | Cook tortellini |
| 4. Finish | 3 Mins | Wilt spinach & cream |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve in wide bowls with extra parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Pairing Suggestions
A crisp Caesar salad complements the creamy tomato soup perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze leftovers?
Pasta soups don’t freeze perfectly as the pasta gets soft. It’s better to store in the fridge for 3 days.
Is it spicy?
Only if you use hot Italian sausage. Mild sausage makes it very family-friendly.
Can I use dried tortellini?
Yes, but you will need to simmer them for 15-20 minutes, so increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth.
Conclusion
Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the definition of a 30-minute miracle. It’s hearty, creamy, and flavorful enough to impress guests but easy enough for a Tuesday.
