Easy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula

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Introduction

Is there anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of soul-warming soup on a crisp evening? Honestly, we think not. This recipe for Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula delivers that exact feeling of cozy satisfaction in under 30 minutes. Moreover, it transforms simple, hearty ingredients into a deeply flavorful and complete meal that your entire family will adore. Ultimately, it is the perfect solution for those nights when you crave something truly nourishing without any fuss.

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula is a robust, one-pot wonder that masterfully combines savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh, peppery arugula in a rich tomato broth. It matters because it perfectly solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma, offering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Furthermore, this dish fits our blog’s tone by being an approachable, crowd-pleasing recipe that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. It is the ideal meal for busy home cooks who still prioritize sitting down to a delicious, homemade dinner. For instance, if you enjoy the ease of one-pot cooking, you must explore our collection of effortless one-pot wonders. The beauty of this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula lies in its versatility; you can easily adapt it based on what you have in your pantry. Additionally, the addition of fresh greens right at the end adds a vibrant, healthy boost, making it a well-rounded and satisfying option. It is a guaranteed hit that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation, especially during the colder months. In fact, it pairs wonderfully with a simple side, like our favorite easy garlic bread recipe, for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula holds a special place in my heart because it was my go-to meal during my busy college years. My roommate and I would make a huge pot on Sunday nights, and it would fuel us through long study sessions. The aroma of garlic and sausage filling our tiny apartment instantly felt like home. To this day, one taste brings back those memories of laughter and shared meals, proving that the best recipes are about more than just food; they are about connection and comfort.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula delivers a powerful nutritional punch in every comforting bowl. First, the cheesy tortellini and savory sausage provide a satisfying source of protein, which effectively helps build muscle and keeps you feeling full for hours. Meanwhile, the vibrant green arugula not only adds a peppery kick but also contributes essential vitamins like A, C, and K.

Furthermore, the broth-based nature of this dish means you enjoy deep, robust flavors without an overload of heavy calories. Consequently, this makes for a wonderfully balanced meal that supports your energy levels. Additionally, the tomatoes in the broth offer a dose of lycopene, an antioxidant known for supporting heart health.

Ultimately, this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula combines macronutrients and micronutrients in a single pot. Therefore, you nourish your body with a spectrum of benefits, from immune support to muscle repair. Enjoying a bowl of this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula is a truly delicious way to invest in your well-being.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

This soup fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan. You can easily tailor it to meet specific goals, like using a whole-wheat or gluten-free tortellini to suit your dietary needs. The high protein content from the sausage and cheese helps with muscle recovery, making it a great post-workout option. For those watching their sodium, simply choose a low-sodium broth and sausage. It’s a complete meal that encourages mindful eating because it’s so satisfying. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate healthy fats into your meals, our guide to cooking with avocado oil offers some great tips. Planning meals like this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula ahead of time is a fantastic strategy for busy weeks. For more inspiration on building a nutritious weekly menu, check out our collection of healthy meal prep ideas that take the stress out of eating well.

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easy-tortellini-soup-sausage-arugula

Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula

  • Author: Chef mia
  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: PT30M
  • Total Time: PT40M
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Method: Soup
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

This hearty Cheese Tortellini Soup combines Italian sausage with cheese tortellini in an easy broth with tomatoes, onions, garlic, arugula, and Italian herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Ingredients
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 pinches crushed red pepper
  • 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 10 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
  • 3 cups arugula (or spinach)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. How To Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
  2. Step 1: Brown the Italian sausage in a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. When it is halfway through the browning process, add the onion and cook until the sausage is brown and the onion is soft.
  3. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and crushed red pepper, cooking for a minute.
  4. Step 3: Whisk the tomato paste with a bit of beef broth to thin it out. Then add the vegetable broth, remaining beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and thinned-out tomato paste. Increase the heat to medium and bring it to a low boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  5. Step 4: Add the cheese tortellini and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the tortellini cooks to your desired tenderness.
  6. Step 5: Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the arugula. Salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle each bowl with a bit of Parmesan cheese.

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over a medium-high flame. Next, remove the Italian sausage from its casings and crumble it into the hot pot. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces with your spoon as it cooks. Meanwhile, you can chop your onion and mince the garlic to save time. Once the sausage boasts a beautiful golden color, drain any excess grease but leave about a tablespoon for flavor. Then, add your chopped onion to the pot and sauté it until it turns soft and translucent. Now, stir in the garlic and cook it for just one minute until its aroma fills your kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, and bring your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula to a lively boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let those flavors mingle for about ten minutes. Finally, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to your package directions, usually just five to seven minutes. Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh arugula until it wilts perfectly into the hot soup.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have absolutely overcooked the tortellini more times than I care to admit, turning them into mushy little pillows that fell apart in the broth. The key is to remember they keep cooking in the hot liquid even after you turn off the heat, so I now pull the pot off the burner a minute or two before the package suggests. Another lesson learned the hard way was using sausage that was far too lean, which resulted in a soup that lacked that rich, savory depth we all love. I now firmly believe that fat equals flavor in this scenario. For more on building a flavorful foundation, my guide on choosing the right sausage breaks it down perfectly. Also, adding the arugula too early makes it disappear completely; wilting it in at the very end preserves its peppery bite and vibrant color. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your greens perfect, check out my tips for wilting greens perfectly in any soup.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled of garlic and simmering broth, a scent that whispers “home” to me even now. She never called it Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula, of course. Her version was a “minestra,” a humble pot of whatever goodness she had on hand. Her Northern Italian roots meant rich sausage and plump cheese tortellini were staples. The peppery arugula, however, was my mom’s brilliant addition for a fresh, modern kick. Essentially, this dish represents a beautiful evolution.

Across Italy, you will find countless regional twists. In Bologna, they might use a richer mortadella instead of sausage. Meanwhile, a nonna in Modena would likely prepare a brodo so clear you could see the bottom of the bowl. Some families add cannellini beans for heartiness, while others stir in a spoonful of pesto at the very end. Ultimately, every family claims their version as the true one. This particular Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula is our family’s cherished take on a classic.

How it fits in today’s cooking

This soup fits perfectly into our modern need for meals that are both comforting and quick. Busy weeknights demand satisfying dishes that come together without fuss. Furthermore, its versatility shines; you can easily swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or use kale instead of arugula based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover roasted vegetables you might have from another meal.

Its role extends beyond

a simple dinner, too. Many people now feature it as a hearty starter during holiday gatherings. The steaming bowl brings everyone together at the table. For a complete and cozy experience, pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread. In fact, a simple quick no knead bread recipe is the ideal companion. Consequently, this soup continues to create new memories while honoring its rustic origins.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula delivers a deeply savory and comforting experience. First, the rich, meaty flavor from the browned sausage infuses the entire broth, creating a hearty base. Meanwhile, the plump tortellini provide delightful chewy pockets that burst with cheesy goodness in every spoonful. Fresh arugula then introduces a brilliant peppery kick and a slight crispness that cuts through the richness. Ultimately, each bowl of this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula feels like a warm, satisfying hug, especially with the aromatic notes of garlic and herbs wafting from the steam.

Boosting the flavor

Fortunately, you can easily amplify this soup’s flavor profile with a few creative tweaks. For instance, a swirl of our creamy easy pesto sauce just before serving introduces a bright, herby complexity that complements the sausage beautifully. Alternatively, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika will add a welcome warmth and depth. Do not forget a final flourish of freshly grated parmesan cheese for a salty, umami-rich finish. Furthermore, consider serving it alongside a slice of cheesy garlic bread for the ultimate dipping experience and a fantastic textural contrast.

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Tips for Success

Best practices for results

Always brown the sausage thoroughly first, because this crucial step builds a rich flavor foundation for your entire Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula. Furthermore, use high-quality cheese tortellini for the best texture and taste. Add the arugula at the very end, just before serving, to keep it perfectly bright and vibrant. Finally, taste your broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper right at the finish.

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as they can quickly become mushy and fall apart; instead, follow the package timing carefully and remember they will continue to cook slightly in the hot broth. Moreover, do not skip deglazing the pot after browning the sausage, since scraping up those browned bits is essential for a deeply flavorful soup. For more guidance on building flavor, check out our guide on how to make homemade stock. Additionally, resist adding all the arugula at once if you have leftovers, because wilting it individually in each bowl maintains its fresh peppery bite. If you are new to working with greens, our tips on choosing the best greens will be very helpful.

g-suggestions">Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

Serve this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula piping hot in a deep, wide bowl to showcase all its beautiful ingredients. For a final touch, garnish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of fresh arugula and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese. This hearty soup truly shines as the main event for a cozy weeknight dinner. Alternatively, it makes a stunning starter for a holiday feast or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

Consider presenting the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Ultimately, its rustic elegance and rich aroma will make any table feel instantly inviting.

What goes well with it

A crisp, green salad perfectly balances the rich and savory notes of this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula. For instance, our classic Easy Caesar Salad offers a creamy, garlicky contrast that never overpowers the main dish.

Moreover, no soup meal

is complete without the perfect bread for dipping. Consequently, a slice of our incredibly popular Quick No-Knead Focaccia soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully. For a drink pairing, a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a chilled lager complements the Italian sausage and cheese tortellini wonderfully.

What kind of sausage is best for tortellini soup?

Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is the best choice for this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula. You can use either sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor or hot Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat. Remove the casings and brown the sausage in the pot to render its flavorful fat, which becomes the base for the entire soup.

ank-math-faq-item"> Can I use spinach instead of arugula in tortellini soup?

Yes, you can easily substitute spinach for arugula in this recipe. Baby spinach is a great alternative; just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts. Keep in mind that arugula offers a distinctive peppery kick, so the flavor profile of your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula will be slightly milder with spinach.

How do you keep tortellini from getting mushy in soup?

The key is to add the tortellini towards the very end of the cooking process. Fresh tortellini typically only needs 3-5 minutes to cook, while frozen may take 5-7 minutes. To prevent them from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking and serve the Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula shortly after the pasta is tender.

Can you make tortellini soup with sausage ahead of time?

You can prepare the broth and sausage base ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the tortellini and add the arugula just before serving. If you refrigerate the soup with the pasta already in it, the tortellini will absorb too much liquid and become soft. For the best texture, store the base separately and assemble your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Arugula fresh.

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