Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting soup that comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor, this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage is your new go-to recipe. Combining tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a warm bowl of goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also melds all the flavors beautifully, resulting in a satisfying meal that feels like a special treat.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This soup is a fantastic blend of textures and tastes. The spicy and aromatic Italian sausage adds depth to the broth, while the cheese tortellini brings a luscious, creamy element that makes every spoonful indulgent. Plus, cooking it in the Instant Pot means you get all the slow-simmered flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this soup hits all the right notes — comforting, flavorful, and filling.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (ensure it’s made from permissible meat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is cooked through, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This is important to prevent a burn notice during pressure cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach

Open the lid and add the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well and let the soup sit on the “Keep Warm” setting for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use fresh refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen for quicker cooking and better texture.
• Don’t skip the quick release after pressure cooking to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
• If you like a thicker soup, stir in a small mixture of cornstarch and water after cooking and simmer on sauté mode until thickened.
• Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika when sautéing the vegetables.
• Make sure to deglaze the pot well after sautéing to prevent burn errors and enhance flavor.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery for more nutrition and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free tortellini or substitute with a different pasta shape, and skip the Parmesan topping.
• Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace dried oregano and basil for a different flavor profile.
• Meat-Free: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to loosen the soup as it tends to thicken in the fridge. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Note that tortellini may become softer after freezing, so if you prefer, cook the tortellini fresh when serving leftover broth and sausage mixture.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but it may require an extra minute or two of sitting time after pressure cooking to fully cook through. Keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to brown the sausage before pressure cooking?

Browning the sausage adds flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be sure to break the sausage into small pieces so it cooks evenly during pressure cooking.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Sauté the sausage and vegetables in a large pot, add broth and tomatoes, then simmer for about 20 minutes. Add tortellini and spinach last, cooking until the tortellini is tender.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Use a good-quality ground sausage that fits your dietary preferences. Ground turkey or chicken Italian sausage alternatives work well if you want a leaner option.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that perfectly combines comforting flavors with convenience. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a satisfying solo dinner, this soup delivers big on flavor and warmth with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to turn to all year round!