Lasagna Soup with Tortellini (Printable)

Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini simmer together in a rich, comforting broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Pasta

08 - 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

→ Spices & Herbs

09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy & Cheese

14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier soup)
15 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
04 - Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes) until tender.
05 - Stir in heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup, if desired.
06 - Remove from heat, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and combined. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything you love about lasagna in a fraction of the time and effort
  • The tortellini soaks up all those incredible Italian flavors like tiny flavor bombs
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day
02 -
  • The tortellini will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers
  • Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese or it will separate and look grainy instead of smooth
  • Use a pot with plenty of room because this soup bubbles and splatters more than you would expect
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated, the flavor difference is honestly shocking
  • Let the soup sit for five minutes off the heat before serving to let it thicken slightly