
Let me share my absolute favorite comfort soup - it's like a warm hug in a bowl! This Sausage and Tortellini Soup combines spicy Italian sausage and cheese-filled pasta in the most incredible creamy broth. Every time I make it my kitchen fills with amazing aromas and my family comes running to see what's for dinner.
Why You'll Fall in Love
What I love most about this soup is how simple it is to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! The spicy sausage and cheesy tortellini make it filling enough for dinner and that creamy broth... trust me you'll want to lick the bowl clean.
Let's Go Shopping
- Italian Sausage: I use hot for extra flavor but mild works too!
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
- The Veggie Team: Carrots onions and garlic build our flavor base.
- Tomatoes: The canned diced kind add such richness.
- Good Stock: Chicken stock makes the best broth.
- Heavy Cream: This makes everything silky and luxurious.
- Fresh Parmesan: Please grate your own it's worth it!
Let's Get Cooking
- Brown That Sausage
- Get it nice and crispy those browned bits mean flavor!
- Veggie Time
- In go the carrots onions and garlic let them get soft and fragrant.
- Build the Base
- Add tomatoes and stock scraping up all those tasty bits from the pan.
- Pasta Party
- Drop in those tortellini and watch them cook to tender perfection.
- Creamy Finish
- Stir in that heavy cream and watch the magic happen!
- Time to Feast
- Top with fresh Parmesan and grab some good bread for dunking!
A Kitchen Secret
Here's my favorite tip - don't skip deglazing the pan! Those browned bits from the sausage are like gold they make the broth incredibly flavorful. A splash of stock lifts them right up and into your soup where they belong.
Sausage Talk
I love using hot Italian sausage but feel free to use whatever kind you like! Sometimes I use the links and slice them sometimes ground whatever you've got works. Just make sure to get that nice brown crust for maximum flavor.

Green It Up
Want to sneak in some extra goodness? Toss a few handfuls of spinach or kale in at the end. They wilt right into the hot soup adding color and nutrients without changing that amazing flavor. My kids don't even notice!
Perfect Pasta
The trick to perfect tortellini is timing! Add them near the end and cook just until tender. Nobody likes mushy pasta! I usually taste one to make sure it's just right. Fresh or frozen both work great just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Creamy Dreams
That silky broth is all about the cream! I always add it off the heat to prevent any chance of curdling. Want to lighten things up? Half-and-half works too though I have to admit the heavy cream version is my favorite.
Serving Time
You absolutely need good bread with this soup - those last bits of broth are too precious to waste! I love sourdough or garlic bread for dunking. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and parsley on top makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Storage Smarts
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: keep any leftover tortellini separate from the broth they stay firmer that way. Just combine them when you're ready to reheat and enjoy.
Freezer Tips
Want to freeze some for later? Make the base without the tortellini and cream. When you're ready to eat thaw it out add fresh tortellini and stir in the cream. It's like having a homemade dinner waiting in your freezer!

Spice It Up
Like it hot? Use spicy sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer things mild? Sweet Italian sausage makes a gentler version. The best part about cooking at home is making it exactly how you like it.
Family Favorite
This soup is totally kid-approved! The cheese-filled pasta gets them excited and that creamy broth is impossible to resist. Serve it with some breadsticks for dunking and watch those bowls get cleaned.
Perfect for Company
Need to feed a crowd? This soup scales up beautifully! I often make a big pot when friends come over. Set out some extra Parmesan crusty bread and a simple salad - dinner is served!
Good For You Too
While this feels totally indulgent it's actually loaded with good stuff! The vegetables add fiber and vitamins while the broth and protein keep you satisfied. It's comfort food you can feel good about.
New Tradition
This soup has become our Sunday night tradition during cold months. There's something so cozy about gathering around steaming bowls of homemade soup. It's the kind of recipe that creates memories.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to play around with this recipe! Try different tortellini flavors add your favorite vegetables or swap in turkey sausage. Some of my best kitchen discoveries have come from experimenting.

Year-Round Wonder
While this is perfect for cold weather we love it year-round! The flavors are just too good to save for winter. Plus it's light enough for spring and fall evenings too.
Prep Ahead Tips
Make your weeknights easier by prepping ahead! The base freezes beautifully just add fresh tortellini and cream when you're ready to serve. Dinner solved!
One-Pot Magic
The best part? Everything happens in one pot! Less dishes means more time to enjoy your meal. Each step builds flavor creating something truly special with minimal cleanup.
Pure Comfort
This soup is like a warm hug from your Italian grandmother (even if you don't have one!). It's the kind of meal that makes everything better perfect for cozy nights at home.
Perfect Pairings
Want to make it extra special? Serve with a crisp Caesar salad and maybe a glass of wine. I love how a simple soup can turn into such an elegant meal.
Everyone's Favorite
From the first spoonful to the last scrape of the bowl this soup never disappoints. It's become my most requested recipe and I have a feeling it will become yours too! Now grab a spoon and dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze without tortellini and cream. When ready to eat, thaw soup, bring to boil, add fresh tortellini, and finish with cream. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
- → How can I keep the tortellini from getting too soft?
Cook tortellini separately and add to individual bowls when serving. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from absorbing too much liquid.
- → Can I use mild Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute mild Italian sausage for the hot sausage if you prefer less spice. The soup will still be flavorful either way.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
The soup keeps for up to two days in the fridge. After that, the tortellini starts to break down. For longer storage, freeze the base without pasta and cream.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add leafy greens at the end, and harder vegetables with the carrots and onions.