If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and quick meal, look no further than this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage. This delicious soup combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage, the richness of a tomato-based broth, and the creamy texture of cheese-filled tortellini to create a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly easy and fast—getting you from prep to dinner in less than 30 minutes!
The Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup, while the tortellini soaks up the savory broth, making each bite satisfying. The broth is perfectly seasoned with garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs, giving the soup a warm, comforting flavor that everyone will love. This is a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal! It’s ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.
Plus, the creamy finish is achieved by stirring in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream, which makes the soup velvety smooth and rich. This soup is perfect on its own or served with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen if preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or use cream cheese for a thicker texture)
- 1 cup spinach (optional for added greens)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage:
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add the Italian sausage (remove the casing if using sausage links) and cook, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). If the sausage releases too much fat, you can drain some of it off, but leave a little for flavor.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes:
- Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the Instant Pot. Stir in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Give everything a good stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
- Add Tortellini and Cream:
- After the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Stir in the tortellini and the heavy cream (or cream cheese). If you’re using cream cheese, you can add it in small chunks and stir until it melts and combines with the broth.
- Close the lid again (no need to seal) and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the tortellini to cook through in the hot broth.
- Add Spinach (Optional):
- If you want to add spinach or any other greens, stir them in after the tortellini has cooked, letting them wilt for a minute or two.
- Serve:
- Give the soup a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or herbs). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Sausage: You can use ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetarian sausage or simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.
- Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale, arugula, or even frozen peas for extra texture.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to make the soup spicier.
- Creaminess: For an even creamier soup, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or add cream cheese for a rich, tangy finish.
- Frozen Tortellini: You can use frozen tortellini in place of refrigerated tortellini; just add it directly to the pot without defrosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 22g
- Total Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 3g
- WW SmartPoints: 9 (per serving)
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage:
- Quick & Easy: This soup comes together in less than 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Comforting and Filling: The combination of sausage, tortellini, and creamy broth makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete meal in one bowl!
- Customizable: Whether you prefer mild sausage or spicy, want to add extra greens, or need to make it lighter, this soup can be adapted to suit your tastes.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means less cleanup, which is always a win.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day, and it’s quick enough to make on busy nights when you need a hearty, filling meal. The savory sausage, creamy broth, and cheese-filled tortellini come together beautifully to create a comforting, flavorful soup that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy! 🍲😊
