Easy 30-Minute Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Soup (One Pot)
When the temperature drops, nothing beats a bowl of this Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Soup. It is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled pasta, and nutritious vegetables in a savory, golden broth. Visually, the vibrant orange carrots and butternut squash pop against the rustic browned meat, creating a bowl that looks as comforting as it tastes.
This soup is a masterclass in balance. The savory, spiced notes of the Italian sausage cut through the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, while the cheesy tortellini adds a luxurious, creamy texture to every bite without needing heavy cream. It’s a wholesome one-pot meal that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families.
Secrets to the Perfect Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Soup
Why It Works
This recipe works because of the flavor layering. By browning the sausage first, we create a “fond” (those tasty brown bits) on the bottom of the pot, which instantly deepens the flavor of the chicken broth. The addition of butternut squash is a game-changer; as it simmers, it releases a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the parmesan and sausage.
The texture is equally important. As seen in the photo, the tortellini are cooked just right—plump and distinct, not mushy. Adding the pasta directly to the simmering broth allows the pasta starch to release slightly, giving the soup a little extra body and a silky mouthfeel that watery broths often lack.
Chef’s Tips
- Brown is Flavor: Don’t rush cooking the sausage. Let it get deep golden brown before breaking it up. This caramelization adds the savory depth visible in the photos.
- Tortellini Timing: Cheese tortellini cooks very fast (usually 3-5 minutes). Add it only when you are ready to serve. If you let it simmer too long, the pasta will balloon and fall apart.
- The Spinach Wilt: Add the fresh baby spinach at the very last second, right after you turn off the heat. The residual heat is enough to wilt it while keeping its vibrant green color and nutrients intact.
Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread or our garlic herb dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that delicious broth.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini will absorb broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or extra chicken stock when reheating. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop.
Substitutions
Sausage: Turkey sausage or ground chicken can be used for a lighter version; add extra fennel seeds to mimic the Italian sausage flavor. Greens: Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes for spinach; just cook them for 2-3 minutes longer as they are tougher leaves. Squash: If you can't find butternut squash, sweet potatoes act as a perfect textural and flavor substitute.
Ingredients
1 lb, mild or spicy, casings removed
1 tablespoon, extra virgin
1, diced finely
2 cloves, minced
2 large, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 cups, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
6 cups, high-quality or homemade
1 (9 oz) package, fresh refrigerated or frozen
2 cups, packed
1 teaspoon, or 1 tablespoon fresh
To taste
For serving and garnish
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the squash and carrots are tender.
Stir in the cheese tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes (or according to package directions) until the pasta is tender and floating.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt for 1 minute.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Easy 30-Minute Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Soup (One Pot)
When the temperature drops, nothing beats a bowl of this Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Soup. It is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining hearty Italian sausa
Ingredients
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the squash and carrots are tender.
Stir in the cheese tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes (or according to package directions) until the pasta is tender and floating.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt for 1 minute.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Vegetable Peeler
Recipe Tags
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At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
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