Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup

Why You’ll Love Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal, thanks to the combination of sausage, beans, tortellini, and spinach. It comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, but the finished soup tastes rich and full of flavor. It is also a great balance of comforting and wholesome, with protein, greens, and pasta all in one bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tbsp olive oil

1.5 cups yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 a large onion)

3 cloves garlic

1 lb turkey sausage

1 tbsp Italian spice blend

1 can herbs and spices diced tomatoes (756 mL)

1 can white navy beans (540 mL, rinsed and drained)

900 mL vegetable broth

3 cups frozen cheese tortellini

6 cups spinach (1 bag, about 284 g)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Parmesan cheese, for topping

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Slice the sausage casings lengthwise and remove the sausage meat. Add the sausage meat to the pot with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the Italian spice blend.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices, then add the rinsed navy beans and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Add the spinach and frozen tortellini. You may need to add the spinach in batches at first, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Cover the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini is tender.

Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this soup to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap the turkey sausage for Italian pork sausage or chicken sausage if you want a different flavor. For a spicier version, use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

If you want to make it even heartier, stir in extra beans or use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Kale can be used instead of spinach for a slightly more robust green. For a creamier broth, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking.

To make it vegetarian, use a plant-based sausage alternative and double-check that your tortellini and Parmesan are vegetarian-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tortellini will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so the broth may thicken over time.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it before serving.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini if possible, since pasta can become too soft after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months and add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini works very well in this soup. Since it cooks faster than frozen tortellini, add it near the end and simmer only until tender.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but the tortellini may soften as it sits. For the best texture, make the soup base ahead and add the tortellini when reheating.

What type of turkey sausage should I use?

Any uncooked turkey sausage works well, whether mild, sweet, or spicy. Choose the flavor profile you prefer.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas can be used in place of navy beans.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but it freezes best without the tortellini. The tortellini can become very soft after thawing and reheating.

How do I keep the tortellini from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking it and, if making the soup ahead, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to each bowl when serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers would all work nicely in this soup.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, a side salad, or a simple roasted vegetable dish.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth is a great substitute and will add even more savory flavor to the soup.

How do I make this soup creamier?

Stir in a little heavy cream, half-and-half, or even cream cheese near the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.

Conclusion

Sausage Spinach Tortellini Soup is a simple, comforting recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, hearty beans, and fresh spinach all in one pot, it is a complete meal that is both cozy and practical. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or save leftovers for lunch the next day, this soup is sure to become a reliable favorite.