Name: Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot); 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Italian Sausage Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors. A perfect one-pot meal that wraps you up in a cozy hug, this soup combines spicy Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and tender vegetables all simmered in a savory, tomato-cream broth. Whether you’re looking to warm up a cold day or feed your family with something hearty and delicious, this soup delivers in every spoonful.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and draws everyone to the table before you even call them. Bursting with bold Italian spices, the creamy base balances the heat of the sausage while cheese and pasta add depth and texture. It’s rustic, filling, and satisfying—just what homemade soup should be.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Soup

Big Flavor in Every Bite: The combo of spicy sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs creates layers of comforting Italian goodness.
Hearty and Filling: Thanks to the tortellini and sausage, this soup feels like a full meal in a bowl.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy to make with minimal cleanup—great for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can swap in spinach for kale, use sweet sausage for less spice, or switch out the pasta.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Here’s a quick breakdown of the tools and their roles in crafting this soup:

Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Essential for browning the sausage and simmering the soup evenly. Its wide base allows for good heat distribution.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up the sausage and stir ingredients without damaging your pot.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of broth, cream, and seasoning.
Ladle: Makes serving clean and simple.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need to chop garlic, onion, and other add-ins easily.

Using the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s get your kitchen prepped and ready!

Ingredients for the Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage (mild or hot): The heart of the soup, adding depth, spice, and a meaty bite.
Cheese Tortellini: Adds a soft, cheesy texture that turns the soup into a satisfying meal.
Garlic and Onion: Aromatic essentials that build the flavor base.
Crushed Tomatoes: Provides body and tangy richness to the broth.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the soup’s savory backbone and carries all the other flavors.
Heavy Cream: Softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a creamy finish.
Spinach or Kale: Brings color, texture, and a boost of nutrients.
Italian Seasoning & Crushed Red Pepper: For a signature Italian flair and optional heat.
Salt & Pepper: To balance and highlight the core ingredients.

How To Make the Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits for added flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Tortellini

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the tortellini and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving and Storing Italian Sausage Soup

Serve this soup hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a side of crusty bread or garlic knots. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

For storage, let the soup cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat. If freezing, skip the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this soup?

That depends on your sausage! Using hot Italian sausage and crushed red pepper will give it a nice kick. Choose mild sausage for a gentler version.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Just note the flavor will shift slightly.

What other pasta can I use instead of tortellini?

Ravioli, gnocchi, or even rotini work well. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the sausage first, then add everything (except tortellini and greens) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, add pasta in the last 30 minutes, and stir in greens just before serving.