A warm, hearty bowl of comfort with tender cheese tortellini, crumbled sausage, earthy spinach, and a hint of fennel—this Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel is like a cozy hug in a bowl. The creamy tomato-based broth wraps around each ingredient, delivering a rich, savory spoonful that satisfies deeply without feeling too heavy. It’s a go-to for chilly nights or when you want a fast, soul-soothing dinner on the table.

What sets this soup apart is its balance of flavors: spicy Italian sausage plays perfectly with the anise-like notes of fennel, while wilted spinach adds freshness and body. The tortellini? Pure comfort. Whether you make it for guests or batch-cook it for weekday lunches, this soup delivers every time.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Spicy or sweet Italian sausage are both excellent choices, depending on your heat preference. Spicy sausage will bring a kick and enhance the fennel’s licorice notes. Sweet Italian sausage provides a milder, family-friendly flavor. If you’re in a pinch, ground turkey or chicken sausage can work too, but the richness from pork sausage adds a depth that truly shines in this dish.

Ingredients for the Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

Italian Sausage (spicy or sweet): The backbone of the soup’s savory flavor.
Cheese Tortellini: These plump pasta pockets add heartiness and soak up the broth beautifully.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of green and gentle earthiness, balancing the richness.
Fennel Seeds: Just a touch enhances the soup’s complexity with a mild, aromatic sweetness.
Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the broth and brings natural acidity.
Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that unifies all the ingredients.
Heavy Cream: Rounds everything out with creamy richness.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that build foundational flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adds depth.
Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning: Essential for seasoning and tying it all together.

How To Make the Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add chopped yellow onion to the same pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and fennel seeds, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Once the soup is simmering, add the cheese tortellini. Let them cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender but not overdone.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a creamy, rich broth.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and warm crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve and Store Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

This soup is best served hot, ladled generously into bowls and topped with freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper. Add a side of garlic bread or a chunk of crusty sourdough for dipping—you’ll want to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully for a well-rounded meal.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the tortellini absorbs too much liquid over time, just add a splash of broth or water before reheating.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini (they can become mushy when thawed). When ready to serve, cook fresh tortellini separately and add them into the reheated soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this soup?

It depends on the sausage you use. Spicy Italian sausage will give it a mild to medium kick. For a milder version, go with sweet Italian sausage.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just add them directly to the simmering soup and cook according to the package directions. No need to thaw.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the soup will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free tortellini and confirm your sausage and broth are also gluten-free. Always check labels.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still hearty and satisfying.

How do I reheat it without overcooking the tortellini?

Gently reheat the soup over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally and avoid boiling to keep the tortellini from getting too soft.

Want More Soup and Comfort Food Ideas?

If this Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel hit the spot, here are more cozy and satisfying meals you’ll love:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a pasta dish loaded with rich, cheesy flavor.
Creamy Shrimp Chowder if you’re craving something seafood-forward and creamy.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a one-pan comfort classic.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for a slow-cooked version of this flavor combo.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for a unique Mediterranean twist.

These recipes bring that same comfort-in-a-bowl magic and can help you shake up your weeknight dinner routine.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so it’s ready for your next cozy craving: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Tried this soup? Let me know in the comments how it went! Did you go for spicy sausage or keep it mild? Add any fun twists like kale or red pepper flakes?

I love seeing your creations and helping you make each recipe your own. Ask away if you have questions or want pairing ideas!

Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Fennel is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. With a creamy tomato broth, hearty cheese tortellini, crumbled sausage, and fresh spinach, it’s a bowl of rich, satisfying flavor. The hint of fennel makes it special, while the one-pot method keeps things simple. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or serving guests on a cozy night in.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and fennel seeds, cooking for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a simmer.

4. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes).

5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in spinach and let wilt for 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir to combine.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve hot with Parmesan and bread if desired.