Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and baby spinach is easy, addictive & a breeze to make in the electric pressure cooker. Spinach sausage tortellini soup is loaded with non mushy cheesy tortellini, browned sausage, baby spinach in a creamy broth base. Everyone raves about this instant pot soup recipe! Slow cooker/crockpot method included!
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This post has been updated (originally published on 2nd March 2020) with an improved reader friendly content, few new photos, an easy slow cooker/crockpot method and a list of delicious recommended instant pot soups!
Instant Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Today's sausage tortellini soup is super addictive, it get's done under 30 mins, makes a great one-pot scrumptious meal as such or when you throw some crusty sour dough loaf as a little side.
The only time you need to invest is for browning the sausage. That adds tons of good flavors and makes the soup stand out.
It's loaded with Spicy and sweet Italian Sausages, three cheese fresh tortellini, baby spinach, cream, grated parmesan, tomatoes, onion, garlic and aromatics.
Instant Pot makes amazing soups and stews just like this Alaskan Salmon Chowder, Easy Lamb Stew in Instant Pot, Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat and many more.
Ingredients
Find the Ingredients with actual measurements way below the post on the "Recipe Card". The list below is just a reference.
- Tortellini: Fresh or frozen. If you do not have access to fresh Tortellini just use frozen tortellini from the freezer section of your supermarket.
- Sausage: I used Spicy and sweet Italian Turkey Sausage. You can use use any Italian Pork Sausage as per your liking. Spicy or Normal or Sweet Italian Pork Sausage works as a great sub for Italian Turkey Sausage which is what I used to make the creamy tortellini soup.
- Aromatics: Onion & garlic.
- Seasonings: Oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, crushed black pepper & salt according to your own personal taste preference. You can sub the oregano with thyme or even the same amount of Italian seasoning.
- Baby Spinach: Hate Spinach? Kale works as a great spinach substitute. Use the Kale leaves and discard the stems. Chop the leaves roughly before adding them in the dish. If you hate any kind of leaves skip adding both Kale or Spinach.
- Tomatoes: Diced Canned Tomatoes and tomato paste. I used the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicy kick, but, if that's not what you are looking for you may use the regular version.
- Heavy Cream: Sub the heavy cream with half and half to reduce the calories a bit. It's not recommended if you prefer extra creamy soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated from a block works best in this recipe. However, if you don't have access to cheese sub it with 3 tbsp cream cheese.
- Liquid: Chicken Stock and normal water.
- Oil: Olive oil.
Best Tips
- More flavor: This adds tons of flavor and character to the Instant Pot Tortellini Soup.
- Parm: The fresh grated parmesan cheese certainly makes a difference and makes the soup utterly creamy and tasty. Try to grate your won cheese from the block.
- Subtle Kick: I recommend a dash or two of red chili flakes. The slight kick goes so well in this recipe.
- Aromatics: Don't skimp on the aromatics. They play a huge role in the pressure cooker creamy tortellini soup. You can even slightly increase the quantities.
- Soup consistency: Fresh pressure cooked tortellini sucks up liquid pretty fast. Expect the soup thickening up on it's own as it gets cold.
- Non mushy spinach: Mix in the baby spinach after turning off the heat. The leaves wilt pretty fast with the help of the residual heat.
- Rich creamy soup secret: If you prefer extra creamy, luscious and smooth Instant Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup do not sub the heavy cream with half and half or milk. You can even slightly increase the cream quantity for some extra dose of deliciousness.
How to make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Instant Pot?
Find the detailed step by step recipe along with measurements way below the post on the "Recipe Card".
Step #1 Brown the Sausage
No matter what kind of sausages you chose to use (pork or turkey and spicy or non spicy) brown them really well in the Instant Pot.
I used the SAUTE mode and kept it at NORMAL throughout the cooking cycle.
A wooden spatula is the way to go because it beautifully crumbles the sausage into larger chunks without breaking the sausage too much.
We love good chunks of sausage in our soups and totally hate powdery fine pieces of sausage.
Step #2 Mix Onion, garlic, aromatics, stock, tortellini
Next, mix in the onion and garlic. Saute them for 1 min.
And pour the chicken stock, the water, de-glaze the pot really well. There should not be any bits and crumbs stuck at the bottom of the pot whatsoever.
This step is so important and shall prevent the "BURN" sign!
Throw in the Tortellinis too.
Step #3 Pressure cook
Give the tortellinis a good stir and pressure cook on HIGH for 2 mins followed by a quick release. Do not forget to seal the vent 😀
Open the lid and turn off the Instant Pot.
Step #4 Add Spinach, Cream, Parmesan
Immediately add the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese. Give everything a good mix.
The residual heat will help melt the parmesan cheese beautifully into the soup.
Once, the cream and the cheese is well incorporated into the soup add the baby spinach and mix well gently.
Once the spinach wilts with the help of the residual heat immediately serve the hot creamy sausage tortellini soup and enjoy!
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Crumble sausage into a skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 7 minutes. Spoon out most of the fat if you want to, we always don't do this as the fat helps to elevate the flavor of the soup. Once, the sausage is nicely browned add it to your Crockpot.
- Add all ingredients except for the tortellini, spinach, cream, and parmesan into the Crockpot.
- Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your tortellini, cream, grated parmesan and spinach (I set the heat to "high"). Give it a stir occasionally. Do a taste test add more salt if you feel like. Serve the slow cooker tortellini sausage soup immediately for best flavors.
Can you freeze sausage tortellini soup?
No, you can't freeze sausage tortellini soup as such because it's cream based and contains tortellini.
However, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini, cream and spinach. It's better to add them later while reheating.
Cream based soups tend to separate or split when defrosted and reheated. Whereas, the tortellini or pasta based soups don't hold up so well because the pasta or tortellini tend to mush up when re-heated.
How long does creamy sausage tortellini soup last in the fridge?
The creamy sausage tortellini soup will last for about 3 days in the fridge when stored in moisture free and air tight container.
Pro Tip: Tortellini sucks up liquid pretty fast. So, while re-heat add splashes of water or stock or even a few dashes of cream to bring back the soup to the right consistency.
More Instant Pot Soup Recipes
- Instant pot creamy chicken noodle soup.
- Lemon chicken orzo soup instant pot.
- Instant pot chicken wild rice soup.
- Chili's chicken enchilada soup instant pot.
- Chicken Gnocchi soup instant pot.
- Instant pot stuffed pepper soup with sausage.
- Creamy chicken tortilla soup instant pot.
- Unstuffed cabbage roll soup instant pot.
- Instant pot cheesy potato soup.
- Olive Garden copycat pasta e fagioli instant pot.
- Instant pot chicken corn chowder.
- Tom Kha Gai instant pot.
- New England clam chowder instant pot.
- Instant pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat.
Recommended
I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! If you try this Instant pot Tortellini soup recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I would love to hear how it turned out for you, or any changes you make. You can also follow me on Pinterest or subscribe our free NEWLETTER for new recipes every week!
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
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Ingredients
- 9 oz Fresh Tortellini (225 gms)
- 4 links Italian Turkey or Pork Sausage casings removed (I used spicy and sweet Italian Turkey Sausage)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 5 cloves Minced Garlic
- 10 oz canned diced tomato (1 can or 283 gms, I used diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
Seasonings
Liquid
- 1 can chicken stock or broth (14.5 OZ / 411 g the regular ones that you get in supermarket)
- 1 cup normal water (more if needed to dilute the soup once the pressure cooking cycle is over)
Equipment Used
Instructions
- Remove the sausage from the casings and set aside.
- Set the Instant Pot on SAUTE and keep it on NORMAL. Add olive oil and when the oil becomes hot gently release the ground sausage and brown them nicely.
- Once, the sausage is nicely browned add the chopped onion and garlic and saute for 1 minute.
- Next, pour the chicken stock, the water, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and all the seasonings. De-glaze the pot very well with the help of a spatula so that there are absolutely no bits and crumbs stuck at the bottom of the pot.
- Throw in the tortellinis and give everything a good stir. CANCEL the SAUTE.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Seal the valve and press the PRESSURE COOK button and set it on HIGH for just 2 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is over the Instant Pot will begin to beep. Immediately perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve from the SEALING to the VENTING position.
- Open the pot. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese and gently stir to fully incorporate them into the soup.
- Once the cream and the cheese is fully incorporated add the baby spinach and mix well.
- Wait for 1-2 minutes and than serve the creamy Tortellini Sausage Soup hot. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and the soup will taste amazing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Measuring Units used, 1 cup = 240 ml & 1 teaspoon = 5 ml.
- You can sub the spinach with Kale.
- Sub the Italian Turkey Sausage with Italian Pork Sausage if you want to.
- You can also go heavy on the cream and parmesan.
- 2-3 Tbsp cream cheese may also be added. You'll have a rich and very creamy soup.
- You can entirely sub the normal water with low sodium chicken stock or broth.
- For no chili kick skip the red chili flakes.
- You may also add the Tortellini once the pressure cooking cycle is over. Than, switch back to SAUTE and simmer the soup for 4-5 mins on LOW until the Tortellini is cooked through. Rest of the recipe remains the same.
- Do not simmer the soup after mixing in the cream, parmesan and spinach. The residual heat will beautifully incorporate the cream and wilt the spinach.
- I would not recommend dry Tortellini for this creamy soup. They just don't work so good for this recipe.
- Using Frozen Tortellini? Follow today's recipe or if you decide to add the frozen tortellini once the pressure cooking cycyle is up than add them to the pot, simmer on SAUTE for 2-3 mins kept at low or until the Tortellini float on the top.
- Adjust the liquid in the recipe according to your liking. Tortellini sucks up liquid really fast. Serve the soup immeidately and hot.
- The soup will thicken as it cools down.
- Dilute cold soup with a dash of liquid to bring it back to the right consistency.
- If you feel today's recipe is little thicker for your liking add more cream or chicken stock or water.
- Want to make the recipe vegetarian? Skip the SAUSAGE.
Maggie says
This is so easy and quick. Affordable ingredients and one of my favorite weeknight go tos. My family and I love this recipe!
Foodies Terminal says
Hey Maggie so glad you loved this recipe so much 🙂 Thanks a lot for the wonderful feedback. - Meghna.
Safire says
Still amazing! Came back to this a few years and an extra kid later and it's just as quick and delicious as ever! Let alone infinitely customizable! Thanks again for sharing!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you love this recipe so much Safire 🙂 Thanks much for the amazing feedback, appreciate it 🙂 - Meghna xoxo.
Sam says
Would love to add kale instead of spinach. Do I add the kale at the same time I'd add the spinach or does it need to cook a little more?
Foodies Terminal says
Hey Sam, add the kale at the same time you would add the spinach. Just try to use baby kale and chop them roughly. If using regular kale, rinse the leaves, chop them roughly and massage the leaves squeezing lightly with your fingers and than add them to the soup. Massaging the leaves would help break down some of the fibers. Hope you enjoy the soup 🙂 Thank you! - Meghna xoxo
Vicki says
I used ziti. It was amazing
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you loved the soup Vicki 🙂 Thanks much for the wonderful feedback, appreciate it 🙂 - Meghna xoxo
MARGO says
Love this recipe--made it two times so far. On my list of favorites. Basically made it just like the recipe except used all chicken broth instead of water. So WONDERFUL!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you love this soup so much Margo! This soup is our readers favorite picks and it's been made in so many kitchen all over the world 🙂 Thank you so much for the amazing feedback, totally appreciate it 🙂 Hope you also try our other soup recipes and enjoy each one of them! - Meghna xoxo
Andria says
So good so quick! I added prosciutto. Very filling makes alot!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Andria 🙂 Thanks a lot for the amazing feedback 🙂 - Meghna xoxo
Shelly says
I doubled the recipe and used 1 lb. of pork sausage and 1 lb. of spicy pork sausage. I also used a 28 oz. can of diced chopped tomatoes and omitted the tomato paste. I didn't have chili flakes so I used chili powder. The spicy pork sausage gave it a kick. My guys loved it and asked me to make it again. They are not soup lovers; so this was a winner. Thanks for posting it!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you guys enjoyed the recipe so much 🙂 Thanks a million for the super awesome feedback, appreciate it 🙂 - Meghna xoxo
David says
Curious if this would work with vegan beyond sausages or other similar meat substitutes?
Foodies Terminal says
Hello David! Beyond meat sausages should be fine. Just saute the sausage and brown them well, this will add more flavor 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe, thank you 🙂 - Meghna xoxo
Kristin says
Fantastic! I used frozen spinach and it turned out great, will make again!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you loved the recipe so much Kristin 🙂 Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback, appreciate it! - Meghna xoxo
Kim says
This was delicious. Very easy quick dinner!! Leftovers were great the next day. Will keep this in the rotation for sure!! 😋
Foodies Terminal says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Kim 🙂 Thanks much for the feedback 🙂 appreciate it. - Meghna.xoxo
Olga Murashov says
The Best -My Family love it!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad to know that your whole family loved the recipe 🙂 Thanks much for the wonderful feedback, appreciate it! - Meghna. xoxo
Janet says
This was amazingly tasty. The whole family loved it.
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks so much Janet for your wonderful feedback 🙂 So glad to know that the soup was loved by your whole family! - Meghna. xoxo
Meli Figueredo says
Hello, I’m so excited to try this! Can I double the recipe? If so, is it the same amount of time?
Foodies Terminal says
Yes you can double the recipe and the cook time would remain the same. Thank you, happy cooking! - Meghna.
Anna says
I made this recipe at a friends house and she has an Instant Pot, but I do not. How would I modify this to make in a crock pot or pan?
Foodies Terminal says
Hello Anna, I've not yet tried making this recipe in a crockpot, unfortunately I am unable to guide you at this moment. However, I've plans to transform the recipe into a crockpot version, as soon as I do that I'll be updating the post 🙂 Take care Anna. - Meghna. xoxo
Nonarae says
All I can say is WOW. this recipe is a keeper! So delicious!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad that you enjoyed the recipe so much Nonrae 🙂 Hope you try our other recipes as well. Thanks so much for your amazing feedback 🙂 - Meghna.
Susan says
Can you use regular bulk breakfast sausage?
Foodies Terminal says
Yes, you can Susan. I would definitely add more seasonings and flavor up the meat while browning it. Add your favorite seasonings and a dash of paprika while browning the ground meat. Hope you enjoy the recipe and huge apologies for such a late reply 🙂 Take care Susan. - Meghna.
Stephenie says
Can this recipe be done on the stovetop? If so, how should it be done?
Thanks 😊
Bernadette Tripoli says
This recipe was simple to make and really delivered in flavour! I added a grated carrot and Kashmiri Chilli powder and used ravioli instead of tortellini (it’s all I had). The pasta was cooked to perfection. Next time I’ll add some grated zucchini too! Thank you 😊
Foodies Terminal says
Awesome Bernadette! We are so glad that you enjoyed the recipe so much and made it your own 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback with us. Take care Bernadette. - Meghna.
Caron says
This was fantastic!! Definitely restaurant quality! I used a can of full fat coconut milk instead of cream which I usually do in these types of recipes. Worked great! Of course there’s Parmesan and cheese stuffed ravioli, but typically this switch alone would make a dish non-dairy for those that need it.
I also used frozen spinach since that’s what I had. Sooooo good and easy, this recipe will be on the rotation! Thank you!
Annely Greene says
Made this for my family and it was excellent! I am planning to make this for a dinner party next week to serve 10 people. I am adjusting the recipe ingredients according to the recipe adjuster so I am hopeful it will be just as delicious once again. Wish me luck!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad to know that you enjoyed the recipe Annely 🙂 Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. Hope your guests too enjoy the recipe just as much, best of wishes and happy cooking to you 🙂 Take care Annely. - Meghna.
Tricia Morris says
I'll be adding this to my regular rotation. Marvelously tasty! Thank you for the delicious and easy recipe. I got home from work at 6:45 and had this ready to serve by 7:10!
Delaney says
Hi I want to make this tonight but don’t like tomatoes, can I skip them and add something else like tomato sauce or extra paste? Thank you!!
Foodies Terminal says
You may try adding tomato sauce Delaney 🙂 The consistency of the soup and the taste will vary slightly however it'll still be delicious 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe. - Meghna.
Steffi says
This is a regular in our kitchen now. Soo soo good 😊
Foodies Terminal says
So glad to hear that Steffi 🙂 Thanks much for giving the recipe a try and sharing your lovely feedback with us 🙂
Nic says
This was perfect; I used premade packaged tortellini and added some cut up potatoes- this was absolutely delicious! I'm in grad school and I appreciate a dish that is affordable, easy to make, and still taste as if it came from a restaurant!
Foodies Terminal says
So glad to know that you loved the recipe Nic 🙂 We always look forward to simplify recipes and make it beginner friendly, affordable and delicious 🙂 We are so happy that you stopped by to share your wonderful thoughts regarding the recipe with us here on this platform. Thank you so much for choosing our recipe and loving it. Take care Nic. - Meghna.
Terri says
The recipe calls for 5 pods of minced garlic. Is that the same as 5 cloves of garlic?
Foodies Terminal says
Hey Terri yes it's it's the same as cloves....to avoid confusion I updated the recipe. Thank you for pointing that out, appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂 - Meghna.
Jodi says
It says water but there are no instructions on when to add the water?
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks much for pointing that out Jodi. You need to add the water along with the chicken stock. I updated the recipe. Thank you once again and hope that you like the recipe 🙂 Take Care Jodi. - Meghna.
Rosanna says
Love this recipe! I modified using ground chicken sausage, omitting the oil, and substituting 1/4c heavy whipping cream & 3/4 cup 2% milk. Substitutions brought it down to 300 calories and 12 grams of fat per serving (6). 🙂
Foodies Terminal says
That's amazing Rosanna, thanks for sharing your awesome tip with us, I am certain that it'll help my other readers as well who are looking to trim down the calories 🙂 I am so glad that you loved the recipe. Thanks once again. Take care Rosanna and do stop by for more such delicious recipes 🙂 - Meghna.
Moe says
Has anyone proofread this recipe? LOL. Read step 3.
Foodies Terminal says
Lol! Moe....corrected, so now you don't have to "ass the onions" you can just "add the onions"....Haaa haaa haaaa - Meghna.
Charleen says
Oh, my, I made this exactly as written and it was amazing. Easy enough for just the two of us with great leftovers or nice enough for company. Delicious.
Foodies Terminal says
That's wonderful Charleen! I am so glad that you loved the recipe so much 🙂 Keep visiting this space for more deliciousness from time to time 🙂 Take Care Charleen. - Meghna.
Michael says
Wow - this has been my favorite IP recipe so far. Great flavor. I sautéed the sausage, onions, garlic & tomatoes in a separate pan to prevent the BURN error on the IP. I used Spicy Italian sausage and a little extra crushed red pepper for a nice kick. Would recommend if you like a little heat. I prepped this for multiple dinners throughout the week. Spent 3 days in fridge. Flavor and consistency held up great!
Foodies Terminal says
That's wonderful Michael, thanks much for sharing your wonderful feedback with us, it will certainly help my other readers as well. The chili kick and the spicy sausages are terrific additions as we too love this combo and a lot 🙂 I am so glad that you loved the recipe and it held up so well in the fridge. Keep visiting us for more easy delicious recipe and take care. - Meghna.
Bella Gee says
Great dish. I doubled the broth and tortellini. Next time I’ll add another can of tomatoes and more spinach. I used half and half and 1 Tbsp of cream cheese. It was fast and delicious!
Foodies Terminal says
That's awesome Bella 🙂 I am glad that you loved the recipe so much 🙂 Take care. - Meghna.
Nancy says
If I double the recipe do I need to adjust the cooking time?
Foodies Terminal says
The cook time remains the same Nancy, just double everything else 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe. - Meghna.
Becky Liddick says
Wonderful flavor!
Foodies Terminal says
Thank you Becky, so glad that you loved it 🙂