This sausage tortellini soup was a favorite at my house when my kids were teenagers. I’ve always felt that if I’m making soup for dinner, it needs to be hearty enough to satisfy everyone. With savory bratwurst, cheese tortellini and chunks of sweet potato in a flavorful broth, this soup easily passes that test.
My German background may be why I reach for bratwurst instead of the Italian sausage commonly used in tortellini soup. I love how savory sausage balances the sweetness of the sweet potato. Best of all, the entire meal is ready in about 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for a busy weeknight.
Some other delicious soup suggestions include this easy spinach tortellini soup that is ready in less than 20 minutes (4 ingredients)! This was a busy night staple at my house! For a lazy Sunday soup, try this pasta e fagioli for a great filling soup! Need even more? Here's a list of my favorite Fall Soups and Winter Soups!
Table of contents
Why I Love This Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- A complete meal in one pot – When I'm making soup for dinner, I want it to be filling enough that no one is looking for a snack an hour later. The bratwurst, cheese tortellini, and sweet potatoes make this a satisfying meal all on its own.
- Ready in about 30 minutes – This is one of those recipes I can make on a busy weeknight without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Most of the cooking time is hands-off while the soup simmers.
- Perfect for chilly weather – As soon as Wisconsin starts feeling like fall, this hearty soup goes right back into my dinner rotation. It's warm, cozy, and exactly the kind of meal I crave on cooler evenings.
- Easy to customize – I usually make it exactly as written, but it's also a great clean-out-the-refrigerator recipe. Extra vegetables or different greens can easily be added to make use of what you already have.
- Even better the next day – I always look forward to leftovers because the flavors continue to develop overnight, making lunch the next day just as delicious as dinner.
Ingredients for Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Bratwurst Sausage - It must be my German heritage, but that's the sausage I prefer. I've also made it with mild Italian and that is also a delicious variation.
Chicken broth (total 62 oz)
Chopped and yellow or sweet onions
8 - 10 oz fresh refrigerated tortellini. I buy a 20 oz package in a three cheese flavor from Aldi. Buy your favorite, and if you have a different tortellini preference, that will work too! In a pinch, the dried tortellini will also work, just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Sweet Potato - cut up in chunks
4 oz fresh spinach. This is often ½ a bag.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
How to Make this Easy Tortellini Sausage Soup
Step 1
Brown sausage (round slices) in a frying pan. Let them brown and heat through. I always brown any meat I add to soup. It just always adds to the flavor and doesn't take much time. Set cooked sausage aside.
Susan's Helpul Tip: If I plan ahead, I find it is easier to cook the whole sausage, then slice into coins. I still do brown the sausage pieces for flavor and appearance.
Step 2
In a Dutch oven (or soup pot), use some vegetable oil and saute onions until translucent.
Step 3
Add chicken broth and sweet potato to the onions. Heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the refrigerated tortellini, cooked sausage and 4 oz (½ the bag) of spinach.
Allow everything to simmer, following the time directions on the tortellini package.
Serving Suggestions
My family likes a sprinkle of shredded parmesan on top of their soup
FAQs
Yes, however, I don't recommend cooking as crumbles. Cook in chunks or small meatball sizes.
Yes, but squeeze out some of the green liquid when the spinach has thawed.
Storing Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Be aware that the pasta may expand and/or absorb the liquid. You may need to add a little extra soup stock after thawing it.
Other Delicious Soup Recipes
Hearty Tortellini Sausage Soup
Equipment
- 1 medium to large dutch oven or soup pot
- 1 frying pan to cook the sausage
Ingredients
- 1 small onion finely chopped (yellow onion or sweet onion)
- 32 oz vegetable broth can substitute chicken broth
- 3 Bratwurst sausage can substitute mild Italian sausage
- 10 oz three cheese tortellini or can substitute a different flavored stuffed tortellini
- 4 0z fresh spinach (this is often ½ a bag)
- 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cut into ¾ inch chunks
- optional shredded Parmesan as garnish
Instructions
- Fry sausage either whole, then slice OR slice into coins and fry. I brown the sides of the sausage pieces prior to adding to soup. I recommend doing this in a frying pan, separate from the soup dutch oven / soup pot.
- Saute chopped onion until translucent in a small amount of oil.
- Add vegetable stock and bring to a light simmer.
- Add cut up sweet potato and simmer for 5 minutes. Check with a fork to see if it is tender.
- Add tortellini and fresh spinach. Simmer for the amount of time the tortellini package tells you to cook it (usually 3 - 5 minutes).
- Serve with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
If freezing, freeze after soup has cooled. If refrigerated for a few days or frozen, pasta may absorb soup stock and expand. You may need to add some extra stock prior to reheating and serving.
Nutrition (estimate)
*Originally published October 17, 2017.
Patti @ Garden Matter
We love brats but can you believe I've never tried making soup with them. Genius!
Janet
Looks yummy!
Mary-The Boondocks Blog
I am always on the lookout for good hearty soups and this one sure fits the bill.
sherrygcole
I am going to have to try the Klement's sausage! This soup looks perfect for these cool nights we are having. Thank you for sharing your recipe.