Homemade Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Chicken Recipe

When the weather turns cool or the soul craves something hearty, nothing quite matches the comforting power of a steaming bowl of homemade soup. And among the most beloved of all soup recipes, tortellini soup holds a special place. It’s a bowl that offers everything: tender pasta stuffed with cheese, rich broth layered with flavor, vibrant vegetables, and savory bites of meat. But this version—Homemade Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Chicken—elevates the classic into a full-bodied, meal-worthy experience.

This soup is a masterclass in balance. Plump cheese tortellini bring a creamy, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the heartiness of sausage and the tenderness of shredded chicken. The base—whether a robust chicken broth or a creamy tomato variation—is infused with garlic, herbs, and spices, simmering just long enough to blend and deepen the flavors without losing the freshness of the vegetables.

What sets this recipe apart is the dual protein dynamic: spicy Italian sausage lends richness and spice, while the chicken provides substance and balance. This interplay gives the soup body and nutrition without becoming too heavy. Add in aromatics like onions and garlic, plus fresh greens such as spinach or kale, and you get a well-rounded bowl that satisfies both appetite and nutrition.

Making this soup from scratch may seem elaborate, but it’s surprisingly simple and rewarding. You don’t need to make tortellini by hand (unless you want to), and the soup builds gradually in stages—browning the sausage, simmering the chicken, layering the aromatics, and finishing with the tortellini just before serving. It’s a recipe that welcomes adaptation. You can swap in ground turkey or plant-based sausage, use rotisserie chicken, go broth-based or creamy, add extra vegetables, or even cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your family, feeding a crowd, or freezing portions for future meals, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. It’s also excellent for meal prepping and reheating, making it a perfect staple for colder months.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Homemade Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Chicken

PART 1: Prepare Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients for Prep:

• Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Vegetables:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 medium carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional but recommended)

• Liquids:

  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (optional, for a slight tomato base)

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creamy version)

• Pasta:

  • 1 (9–12 oz) package fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade)

• Herbs & Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mix of basil, oregano, thyme

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

PART 2: Cook the Sausage and Chicken

The first step is to brown the sausage and cook the chicken, building a flavorful base for your soup.

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:

   • Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.

   • Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

   • Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

   • Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.

   • Add a bit of olive oil to the pot if needed, then place chicken in the pot.

   • Sear each side for about 4–5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through.

   • Remove chicken and set aside.

PART 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Build the Soup Base

Next, you’ll soften the aromatics and build layers of flavor.

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion, Carrot, and Celery:

   • Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with sausage fat.

   • Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:

   • Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

   • Cook for another 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

   • Pour in a splash (about ¼ cup) of chicken broth or white wine to scrape up browned bits stuck to the pot bottom.

   • Stir to combine.

PART 4: Simmer the Soup

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

Instructions:

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

   • Pour in the remaining chicken broth and crushed tomatoes (if using).

   • Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

2. Add Chicken Back to Pot:

   • Lower heat to a simmer and add seared chicken breasts to the pot.

   • Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

3. Shred the Chicken:

   • Remove chicken and shred with two forks.

   • Return shredded chicken to the pot.

PART 5: Add Tortellini and Greens

This step completes the soup with pasta and fresh vegetables.

Instructions:

1. Add Tortellini:

   • Stir in fresh or frozen tortellini.

   • Simmer according to package instructions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tortellini are tender.

2. Add Greens:

   • Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

   • Cook until wilted but still bright green.

3. Optional Creamy Finish:

   • If using cream, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half now.

   • Heat gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling.

PART 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish and serve.

Instructions:

1. Season:

   • Taste soup and add salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning if needed.

2. Garnish:

   • Serve soup hot with freshly chopped parsley or basil on top.

   • Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

3. Serve:

   • Ladle into bowls and offer crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.