If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This soup combines savory slices of chicken sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant baby spinach all simmered in a rich tomato and pesto-infused broth. With every spoonful, you get a perfect balance of hearty texture and fresh, herby flavor that’s ready to satisfy on any day you want something both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully paired ingredients. Each element works together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform an everyday soup into something memorable.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory base that softens beautifully when sautéed.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and delivering a subtle richness to the broth.
- Minced garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that awakens the soup’s flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide a vibrant acidity and body to the broth without overpowering it.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with classic Mediterranean herbs that brighten every bite.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Pesto: Adds a luscious, herbaceous depth that takes this soup to the next level.
- Chicken broth: Creates a hearty and comforting liquid foundation.
- Chicken sausage: The star protein, pre-cooked and full of savory spices that complement the tortellini.
- Cheese tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese for irresistible texture.
- Baby spinach: Offers a pop of green freshness and nutrition at the end.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing just enough for the onions to soften and sweat, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step unlocks the foundational flavors that your soup will build on, setting a fragrant and tasty base.
Step 2: Build Your Broth
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes right from the can—no draining needed here, as their juice adds to the broth’s body. Add your Italian seasoning, kosher salt, a generous spoonful of pesto, the sliced chicken sausage, and the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine those vibrant flavors well, then cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This slow melding time is what brings out the heartiness and depth that makes the Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Finish with Tortellini and Spinach
Once your broth is richly flavored and the sausage slices have soaked up some tomato goodness, add the cheese tortellini directly to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender and perfectly plump. Just before turning off the heat, stir in the baby spinach leaves. Watch them wilt beautifully into the hot soup, adding freshness and a gentle crunch that brightens each spoonful. Serve it up piping hot and get ready to delight in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil can add a lovely finishing touch to this soup, enhancing both the aroma and the flavors. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can also give it that gourmet flair, just the way you like it.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm focaccia for dipping, creating a satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness and keeps the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs as garnish to add a charming, homemade feel. For a fun twist, hollow out small artisan bread bowls and ladle the soup inside, turning it into a cozy single-serve feast that’s as delightful to look at as to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled completely before refrigerating to preserve the flavors and textures as best as possible.
Freezing
This Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe freezes well, though it’s best to keep the tortellini separate if possible, as pasta can sometimes get mushy after freezing and reheating. Freeze the soup broth and sausage mixture in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the tortellini separately, cook them fresh and add to the soup once heated. This keeps the texture just right and preserves the deliciousness of each component.
FAQs
Can I use spicy chicken sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy chicken sausage gives this soup a nice kick that complements the creamy tortellini and fresh spinach beautifully. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if you prefer more or less heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can swap the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian variant. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining rich flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the onion and garlic first as directed, then add all ingredients except the tortellini and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the tortellini and spinach during the last 20 minutes.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini are the classic choice here, but feel free to try varieties like spinach and ricotta or even meat-filled ones if you want to customize the soup’s flavor profile.
Can I omit the pesto?
While pesto truly elevates the flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or replace it with a teaspoon of fresh basil or parsley for a touch of herbal brightness. The soup will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about this Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple, quick to make, and packed with comforting flavors that feel special without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is always a winner. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory chicken sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. Perfectly balanced with Italian seasoning and pesto, this comforting soup is quick to prepare and makes an ideal meal for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm, filling bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 4 cups chicken broth
Protein and Pasta
- 11 ounces chicken sausage, sliced (1 precooked pack)
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
Greens
- 5 ounce bag baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become translucent, releasing their aroma.
- Simmer Soup Base: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, kosher salt, pesto, sliced chicken sausage, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes until the tortellini is tender. Then fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt from the heat. Turn off the stove and serve the soup hot.
Notes
- Use precooked chicken sausage to reduce cooking time.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Pesto adds depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
