Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 small fennel bulb, sliced thin; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Comfort food doesn’t always come in the form of a casserole dish. Sometimes, it bubbles gently in a single pot, rich with savory broth, colorful vegetables, and plump pasta waiting to warm every spoonful. This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel delivers that kind of comfort with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day. Italian sausage gives the soup a bold, hearty depth, while the tortellini adds a satisfying bite. The gentle touch of fennel and fresh spinach rounds it all out, making it nourishing and deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or want something soul-soothing all year long, this one’s going into your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

This soup strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The sausage delivers hearty flavor while the broth stays refreshingly clean and not too heavy. It comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it a weeknight dream. Plus, it uses fresh tortellini, which cooks quickly and turns this pot into a complete one-bowl dinner.

The fennel adds something special here. If you’ve never tried it, don’t worry – it’s not overpowering. When sautéed, it becomes tender and sweet, giving the broth a unique character that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

You can use any refrigerated or frozen tortellini you love. Cheese tortellini keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly if you skip the sausage, while sausage or prosciutto-filled versions can double up on meatiness. Spinach and ricotta tortellini are also great options if you want to lean into the green.

Just make sure it’s fresh or frozen rather than dry, so it cooks quickly and absorbs the broth’s flavor beautifully.

Ingredients for the Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

This soup starts with simple ingredients that each play an important role in building flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry and fridge staples that turn into magic together.

Italian sausage
Yellow onion
Fennel bulb
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Crushed tomatoes
Refrigerated cheese tortellini
Fresh spinach
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel (1)

How To Make the Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until no longer pink and slightly crisped on the edges.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Fennel

Add the chopped onion and sliced fennel to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Stir in the tortellini and let them simmer in the soup for 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender and cooked through. Check your package directions for exact timing.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly from the heat of the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving and Storing Your Tortellini Soup

This soup makes about 5 to 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a few days of cozy lunches. Serve it hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side for soaking up all that rich broth.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the tortellini may continue to absorb liquid, so the soup might thicken slightly. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing isn’t ideal with the tortellini already cooked, as they can become mushy when thawed. But if you want to prep ahead, make the soup base without the tortellini and freeze it. Add the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

What to Serve With Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Crusty Italian Bread

The ultimate sidekick. It soaks up every bit of that herby, sausage-rich broth.

Garlic Breadsticks

Crunchy, buttery, and seasoned to perfection, they bring even more flavor to the table.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Something about the crispy edges of roasted broccoli really complements the creamy tortellini.

Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Light, crisp, and a great low-carb nibble on the side.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil make a bright, fresh contrast.

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms with a tangy glaze bring depth and umami to the meal.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing sipper that cleanses your palate between bites.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Sausage Tortellini Soup hit the spot, don’t miss these other satisfying bowlfuls:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever soup cravings hit.

Have you made this soup yet? I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you swap the sausage or use a different green? Share your tips in the comments.

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