Easy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Easy Tortellini Soup Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 56 min

Cost: $11.39 total, $2.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing the sausage)
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage (remove from casings and crumble; any pork, chicken, beef or mixed Italian sausage works)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
  • 1 medium Onion (half chopped for the soup, half saved for later use)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 14 ounce can Diced Tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes, with juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 9 ounce Cheese Tortellini (cheese‑filled, fresh or refrigerated)
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (washed and trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (shredded, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil

    Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium‑high until it shimmers.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  2. Brown the Sausage

    Add the 1 lb of Italian sausage, breaking it out of its casing. Use a wooden spoon to crumble and stir constantly for about 5 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Prep Garlic and Onion

    While the sausage browns, smash 3 garlic cloves, peel and mince them. Chop half of a medium onion; set the other half aside for later use.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Add Liquids and Seasoning

    Stir in 4 cups chicken stock, the 14‑oz can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Simmer the Soup

    Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Cook Tortellini

    Increase heat to medium‑high and add 9 oz cheese tortellini. Cook according to package directions, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta stays submerged.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Add Spinach and Basil

    Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach and 2 tbsp chopped basil. Cook for 1 minute until the spinach wilts.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Season to Taste

    Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of Tabasco if desired.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Serve

    Remove the pot from heat. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with shredded Parmesan cheese.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free tortellini, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting Parmesan or using a dairy‑free alternative, Can be made vegetarian by using plant‑based sausage

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg (possible in sausage), Soy (possible in sausage)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A quick, one‑pot Italian‑inspired soup packed with flavorful Italian sausage, cheese‑filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. Ready in under an hour, this hearty yet light soup is perfect for a family dinner or a kid‑friendly lunch.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
36m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.39
Total cost
$2.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat oil until shimmering
  • Brown the sausage completely
  • Sauté onion and garlic until softened
  • Bring soup to a rolling boil
  • Cook tortellini to al dente

Safety Warnings

  • Cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
  • Hot oil can cause burns; keep face away while heating.
  • Handle raw meat with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tortellini soup in Italian cuisine?

A

Tortellini originated in the Emilia‑Romagna region of Italy as a small, filled pasta traditionally served in broth. Serving tortellini in soup highlights the Italian tradition of pairing pasta with simple, comforting broths, especially during cooler months.

cultural
Q

How does tortellini soup fit into the broader Italian culinary tradition?

A

Italian cuisine often celebrates the harmony of pasta and broth, as seen in classic dishes like "tortellini in brodo". This soup follows that tradition by letting the delicate cheese filling shine while the broth provides depth from sausage and tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tortellini soup in Italy?

A

In Bologna and Modena, tortellini in broth is usually made with chicken or beef broth and sometimes includes a dash of nutmeg. Some regions add a splash of cream for richness, while others keep it clear and simple, focusing on the pasta and broth flavors.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is tortellini soup traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Tortellini soup is often served during family gatherings, holidays like Christmas, and as a comforting starter during the winter. Its hearty yet light nature makes it suitable for both festive meals and everyday family dinners.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Italian tortellini soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh cheese‑filled tortellini, a clear chicken or beef broth, and Italian sausage. Acceptable substitutes are gluten‑free tortellini, vegetable stock, or plant‑based sausage for dietary needs, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with this tortellini soup?

A

Serve the soup alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, crusty Italian bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of light Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the flavors nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tortellini soup?

A

Common mistakes include overcooking the tortellini, which makes it mushy; under‑seasoning the broth; and adding the spinach too early, causing it to turn to mush. Follow the timing steps closely and taste before serving.

technical
Q

Why does this tortellini soup recipe add the tortellini near the end instead of cooking them from the start?

A

Tortellini cooks quickly and continues to absorb liquid. Adding it near the end ensures it stays al dente and doesn’t disintegrate, preserving its texture while still allowing the broth to flavor the pasta.

technical
Q

Can I make this tortellini soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. Keep the cooked tortellini and spinach separate; add them when reheating to maintain texture. Reheat gently over medium heat until hot.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often feature classic comfort foods with a modern twist, focusing on clear step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes quick, one‑pot meals that are easy for home cooks of any skill level, often incorporating pantry staples and offering flexible ingredient swaps, whereas many Italian channels focus on traditional techniques and longer preparation times.

channel

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