Sausage Soup

Okay, let me tell you—sausage soup is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s warm, cozy, and fills your belly just right. When it’s cold out, I always crave a big bowl.

I make this soup all the time, and it never lets me down. The sausage adds so much flavor, and the broth? Oh, it’s so good. Even picky eaters in my house ask for seconds.

You can make it with things you probably already have at home. It’s super easy, and you don’t need fancy stuff. Trust me, it smells amazing while it’s cooking.

So yeah, if you want something tasty and simple, this sausage soup is it. Let’s make it together. You’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Made with sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach for a filling meal.
• One Pot Convenience: Everything simmers in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved, adult-loved—mild and creamy with gentle Italian spice.
• Quick and Cozy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Easy to Customize: Swap in different greens, tortellini, or spice levels.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 bowls of soup.

Difficulty:
Easy – Perfect for beginners and a quick win for seasoned cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients for Sausage Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy, creamy soup together:

• Italian Sausage (1 lb): Mild or spicy—your choice. Adds rich, meaty flavor.
• Yellow Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and aroma to the base.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Optional, for sautéing if needed.
• Chicken Broth (5 cups, low sodium): Forms the base of the soup.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs for savory flavor.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the other flavors.
• Black Pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and balance.
• Cheese Tortellini (12 oz, refrigerated or frozen): Makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Fresh Spinach (2 cups): Stirred in at the end for color and nutrients.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a salty, nutty finish.

Variations for Sausage Soup

• Swap the Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
• Make it Spicier: Choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Use a Different Pasta: Try mini ravioli, small shells, or ditalini if tortellini isn’t available.
• Go Dairy-Free: Omit the cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk.
• Add Veggies: Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini work well if you want more texture and nutrients.
• Make It Thicker: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if you prefer a thicker broth.

How to Make Sausage Soup

Step-by-step instructions for bringing it all together:

1. Brown the Sausage

Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage (no need for oil unless your sausage is lean).
Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
If there’s excess grease, drain it off.

2. Add Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage.
Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in the Broth

Stir in the chicken broth.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

4. Add Tortellini

Once the broth is boiling, add the cheese tortellini.
Cook according to the package directions (usually about 5–7 minutes), or until the tortellini is tender.

5. Stir in the Cream

Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend and the soup thicken slightly.

6. Add the Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes more, just until wilted.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, if needed.

How to Serve Sausage Soup

This soup is a full meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out:

• With Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping.
• With a Simple Side Salad: Light greens, olive oil, and vinegar pair nicely with the creamy soup.
• Topped with Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese for richness and flavor.
• With Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of extra heat.

Storing Sausage Soup

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes well, but for best texture, freeze without the tortellini and spinach. Add those fresh when reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the Sausage Well: Let it develop some color before adding other ingredients. It adds depth to the soup.
• Use Fresh Tortellini if Possible: It cooks faster and has a tender texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add it at the very end for the best color and texture.
• Taste and Adjust: Season as you go, especially after adding the broth and cream.
• Add Cream Slowly: To prevent curdling, make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add the cream.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	19g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	70mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Nutrition info will vary depending on specific brands and tortellini used.

Sausage Soup FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use hot Italian sausage. Mild sausage keeps it kid-friendly.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but cook the tortellini fresh before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze this soup?
You can freeze the soup without the tortellini and spinach. Add those fresh after reheating.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the soup will be thinner and less rich.

Conclusion

This sausage soup is warm, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve to guests. Whether you use it for meal prep or cozy nights in, this one’s a keeper.