Name: Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 9 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 cups chopped kale; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

I’ve always found that a cozy bowl of soup can work magic on any kind of day—especially when it’s hearty, cheesy, and brimming with flavor. This Tortellini Soup is one of those dishes I come back to again and again. Whether it’s a rainy weeknight or I’m simply craving something warm and satisfying, this soup never lets me down. It’s loaded with tender cheese tortellini, a rich broth, savory Italian sausage, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that melts just enough to tie everything together.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it brings comfort to the table. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve when company’s over. The combination of garlic, herbs, vegetables, and pasta gives each spoonful a balanced, soul-soothing quality. Every bite is like a warm hug—and I think you’ll agree after your first bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Soup

This soup is the definition of cozy. It’s creamy without being too heavy, and it has the perfect mix of protein, vegetables, and pasta to make it a one-pot meal. The cheese-filled tortellini add richness and satisfaction, while the broth, herbs, and sausage bring deep flavor. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how easily it can be customized based on what you have in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes that turns everyday ingredients into something a little special.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this Tortellini Soup, I typically use refrigerated cheese tortellini because they cook quickly and have that deliciously soft, pillowy texture. You can also use frozen tortellini if that’s what you have—just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they’ll take a few more minutes to cook through. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade tortellini would make this soup extra special, but honestly, store-bought versions work beautifully for a comforting, weeknight dinner.

Options for Substitutions

This soup is super flexible, which makes it easy to adapt to your taste or pantry:

Sausage: Swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. You can even use plant-based sausage to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini are excellent alternatives.
Greens: Kale is hearty and holds up well, but baby spinach or Swiss chard are great softer options.
Broth: Chicken broth gives the best flavor base, though vegetable broth works fine if you’re going meat-free.
Cream: If you prefer a lighter soup, skip the cream and go for a broth-only version—or try adding a splash of milk or coconut milk for a twist.

This kind of recipe invites creativity, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Ingredients for This Tortellini Soup

Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and a little spice. You can use mild or hot depending on your preference.
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish—soft, cheesy pasta pockets that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color, balancing the richness of the sausage and broth.
Celery: Offers a classic aromatic base along with carrots and onions.
Onion: Essential for depth of flavor and the base of your savory broth.
Garlic: Adds warmth and a boost of bold flavor to the soup.
Chicken Broth: Provides the comforting, flavorful liquid base for the soup.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its creamy, velvety finish.
Kale: Adds a nutritious green element and slightly bitter contrast to the richness.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the veggies and add richness.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that ties everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle of sharp, nutty goodness that elevates the whole bowl.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside, leaving a bit of the drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors start to develop.

Step 4: Stir in the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions—usually 4 to 6 minutes—until the tortellini are tender and floating.

Step 5: Add Kale and Cream

Stir in chopped kale and let it wilt for about 2–3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth!

How Long to Cook the Tortellini Soup

From start to finish, this soup takes about 35 to 40 minutes:

Prep time: 10–15 minutes to chop the vegetables and gather ingredients
Cooking time: Around 25 minutes total for browning sausage, sautéing vegetables, simmering broth, and cooking tortellini

It’s a quick and cozy meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.

Tips for Perfect Tortellini Soup

Don’t overcook the tortellini: Keep a close eye once you add them to the pot. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and fall apart.
Brown the sausage well: Let it get golden and caramelized—this adds a lot of depth to the broth.
Use fresh kale: It holds up better than spinach and gives a heartier bite, especially if you’re reheating leftovers.
Add cream at the end: To avoid curdling, always stir in the cream after lowering the heat.
Season in layers: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking, not just at the end.

These small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding tortellini too early: They cook fast—if you toss them in too soon, they’ll turn mushy by the time the soup’s done.
Boiling the cream: High heat can cause the cream to separate. Always reduce the heat before stirring it in.
Skipping the sauté: Don’t rush the vegetables. Letting them cook until slightly golden brings out their sweetness and builds flavor.
Overcrowding the pot: If you double the recipe, make sure your pot is large enough to allow ingredients to cook evenly.
Not tasting as you go: Every broth and sausage brand varies in saltiness. Adjust seasoning throughout cooking.

What to Serve With Tortellini Soup?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up every drop of that flavorful broth.

Caesar Salad

A cool, crunchy contrast to the warm and hearty soup, with that punchy dressing and crunchy croutons.

Roasted Vegetables

Simple roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots add a deliciously earthy side.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil add a light and fresh touch to balance the richness of the soup.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Tear off chunks and dunk—no need for butter, just good bread and better soup.

Antipasto Platter

Offer a small board with olives, salami, and cheeses for a rustic Italian-style dinner.

Parmesan Crisps

A crisp, salty snack that doubles as a delicious soup topper.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Especially with sharp cheddar, this classic comfort combo hits the spot.

Storage Instructions

Tortellini Soup stores well, but there are a few tricks to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The tortellini may absorb some broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezer: If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the tortellini and cream. Frozen tortellini can become soggy when reheated, and cream can separate. Freeze the base, then add fresh tortellini and cream when you reheat.

Reheat gently over the stove on low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~480
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 950mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

This soup is a hearty, satisfying meal with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats—perfect for a cozy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the soup base in advance and add the tortellini and cream just before serving.

What if I don’t eat pork?

You can use chicken or turkey sausage, or go for a vegetarian version using plant-based sausage or extra veggies.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage or replace it with mushrooms or a vegetarian protein like white beans.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just adjust the cook time slightly. Frozen tortellini usually takes 1–2 minutes longer to cook than refrigerated.

How do I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Will the tortellini get soggy in leftovers?

They can if left in the broth too long. Store tortellini separately if you plan to have leftovers for multiple days.

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Absolutely. Spinach, chard, or even arugula work well—just adjust the cooking time since some greens wilt faster than others.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes! The soup will still be delicious, just more broth-forward. Add a splash of milk or coconut milk if you want a lighter creamy touch.

Conclusion

Tortellini Soup is one of those deeply comforting meals that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and filling. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.