When the evenings turn crisp and the hustle of the day leaves me craving comfort, I often find myself turning to a bowl of creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup. This delightful recipe is not just about filling the belly; it’s a heartwarming blend of savory sausage, rich tomatoes, and tender cheese-filled tortellini that warms the soul.
Imagine the aromatic dance of sautéed garlic and onion filling your kitchen as the Instant Pot works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in just 15 minutes. Whether you’ve had a long day or are simply on the hunt for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pot wonder delivers both ease and satisfaction.
Feel free to make it your own—swap in mushrooms for a plant-based twist or toss in some extra greens for added nutrition. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table, regardless of the chaos outside!
Why Is Tortellini Soup With Sausage a Must-Try?
Comforting and Quick: This recipe is your solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying but don’t have time to cook.
Creamy Perfection: The rich texture, combined with the savory sausage and cheesy tortellini, creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Versatility: Easily adaptable for dietary needs—you can swap sausage for mushrooms or add fresh veggies like spinach for extra nutrition.
One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dirty pans! Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and making cleanup a breeze.
Time-Saving Delight: Ready in just 15 minutes with the Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for whipping up something delicious without the fuss.
Tortellini Soup With Sausage Ingredients
• Dive into comfort with every spoonful!
For the Soup Base
- Dried Cheese Tortellini – Provides the main carbohydrate, enriching the soup with a cheesy delight.
- Italian Sausage – Adds a savory depth; try replacing it with vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free option.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing aromatics; can be swapped with any neutral oil.
- Onion (1 medium) – Imparts sweetness and depth; shallots may also be used.
- Garlic (1 tbsp minced) – Gives a wonderful aroma; garlic powder can replace it if needed, but fresh is always best.
For the Tomato Base
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Forms the soup’s rich, zesty base; diced tomatoes work in a pinch.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Deepens the tomato flavor; use less if opting for extra crushed tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning (2 tsp) – Brings a blend of herbs to the dish; mix your own with oregano, basil, and thyme if desired.
- Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – Adds a touch of heat; adjust according to spice preference.
For the Liquid
- Chicken Stock (4 cups) – Enriches the flavor profile; vegetable stock makes a great substitute for a vegetarian version.
For Creaminess
- Half & Half (½ cup, increase for creamier soup) – Adds richness; use heavy cream if you desire an even creamier finish.
Feel free to explore this tortellini soup with sausage, making it your family’s favorite in no time!
How to Make Tortellini Soup With Sausage
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Set Up the Pot: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Once the oil is hot, throw in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until they soften and release their delightful aromas.
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Brown the Sausage: Add crumbled Italian sausage to the pot. Cook for roughly 2 minutes, browning it nicely to develop those rich flavors.
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Combine the Base Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and a sprinkle of salt. Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, reserving the rest for later.
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Add the Tortellini: Gently stir in the dried cheese tortellini. Do not stir too much; close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode for 4 minutes on high pressure.
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Release the Pressure: When the cooking time is over, allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
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Finish the Soup: Switch back to sauté mode, add the remaining stock along with the half & half. Stir gently and let it simmer together for about 30 seconds.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor.
Optional: Garnish with additional chili flakes for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Tortellini Soup With Sausage
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Stock Control: Avoid adding all the chicken stock at once to prevent excess liquid from leaking during pressure release. It’s crucial for a good texture.
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Salt Adjustment: Be mindful to adjust the salt levels towards the end of cooking. The Italian sausage and stock often contain salt, which can lead to an overly salty soup.
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Tortellini Type: If using refrigerated tortellini, remember to reduce the cooking time in the Instant Pot to just 2 minutes under high pressure for optimal texture.
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Vegetable Boost: Feel free to toss in some fresh greens like spinach or kale during the last moments of cooking for a nutritional upgrade without sacrificing flavor.
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Creamy Customization: For an extra creamy tortellini soup with sausage, consider increasing the half & half, or substitute with heavy cream for a richer, luxurious finish.
What to Serve with Tortellini Soup With Sausage?
As the aroma of warm, creamy soup fills your kitchen, consider these delightful sides and beverages that elevate your meal.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: The perfect vessel for soaking up every flavorful drop of soup, offering a satisfying crunch with a hint of garlic.
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Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy accompaniment that balances the richness of the soup, featuring crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing.
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Parmesan Crisps: These savory bites add a delightful crunch and a burst of cheesy flavor, mirroring the soup’s heartiness and making each spoonful more enjoyable.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection provides a lovely caramelized flavor and a nutritional boost to accompany your meal.
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Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the Italian flavor profile while complementing the savory sausage and rich tomatoes in the soup.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and offers a sweet finish to your comforting meal.
With these pairings, each element complements your delicious tortellini soup with sausage, creating a memorable dining experience that warms both body and soul.
Tortellini Soup With Sausage Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting recipe and make it your own!
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Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or plant-based sausage to replace meat for a hearty vegetarian twist. These bring earthiness and a satisfying bite.
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Creamy Delight: For an even richer soup, swap half & half for heavy cream. This adds decadent creaminess that makes each spoonful irresistible.
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Extra Veggies: Incorporate greens like spinach, kale, or diced zucchini. This not only boosts nutrition but adds vibrant color to your soup.
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Spicy Kick: Increase chili flakes or add fresh diced jalapeños for a spicier version. This will bring a fiery warmth to the dish!
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Different Pasta Shapes: Try using small pasta shapes like tortellini, or even orzo for a fun twist. Each brings its unique texture that enhances the soup experience.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a burst of flavor. Fresh herbs elevate the taste and aroma.
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Stock Swap: For a lighter version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This keeps it flavorful while catering to vegetarian diets.
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Savory Cheese Boost: Stir in a handful of grated parmesan or a dollop of ricotta before serving. The cheese melt creates a delightful creaminess!
Make Ahead Options
This Tortellini Soup With Sausage is ideal for meal prep, saving you time on busy nights! You can prepare the soup base—sautéed onions, garlic, and browned sausage—up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The tortellini can be added directly from the dried state when you’re ready to cook. Simply combine the refrigerated base with the remaining stock and half & half in the Instant Pot, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. This way, you can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal with minimal effort, just as comforting as if freshly made!
Storage Tips for Tortellini Soup With Sausage
- Fridge: Store leftover tortellini soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to refrigerate it promptly to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup base without tortellini for up to 3 months. This prevents the tortellini from becoming mushy once thawed.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen soup in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of stock if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Serving Freshness: If you’re meal prepping, consider keeping the tortellini separate and adding it to the soup just before serving. This keeps everything perfectly cooked!
Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe FAQs
What type of tortellini should I use for this soup?
Absolutely! You can use dried cheese tortellini for the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen tortellini works too—just remember to increase the cooking time by about 4-6 minutes.
How can I store leftover tortellini soup?
Store any leftover tortellini soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s best to refrigerate promptly to maintain its freshness. If you want to store it for longer, freeze the soup base (without the tortellini) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze this tortellini soup?
Yes! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. To avoid mushy tortellini, freeze the soup base without the tortellini. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then add freshly cooked tortellini right before serving.
Why does my soup taste too salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, it might be due to the sausage or stock, which can have high sodium levels. To balance it out, you can add water or low-sodium chicken stock to dilute the flavor, or incorporate more tomatoes to balance the saltiness with acidity.
What dietary modifications can I make?
Very! This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap the Italian sausage for a vegetarian option like mushrooms or lentils to create a plant-based soup. Additionally, if you’re avoiding dairy, substitute half & half with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer for a creamy texture without the lactose.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To lift the flavors further, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving, which adds a delightful brightness. You can also toss in fresh herbs like basil or oregano just before serving to infuse an aromatic freshness.
Tortellini Soup With Sausage: Quick Comfort Food in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, throw in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until they soften and release their delightful aromas.
- Add crumbled Italian sausage to the pot. Cook for roughly 2 minutes, browning it nicely to develop those rich flavors.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and a sprinkle of salt. Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, reserving the rest for later.
- Gently stir in the dried cheese tortellini. Do not stir too much; close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode for 4 minutes on high pressure.
- When the cooking time is over, allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
- Switch back to sauté mode, add the remaining stock along with the half & half. Stir gently and let it simmer together for about 30 seconds.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor.