Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage & Spinach: Your 30-Minute Comfort Meal
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both hearty and incredibly quick to prepare? Look no further than this delightful Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach. This classic creamy soup masterfully blends savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach into a rich, luscious broth, all ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or whenever you need a flavorful, fuss-free meal.
This robust and satisfying soup is an ideal choice for the cooler months of fall and winter, offering a delightful warmth without demanding hours in the kitchen. Forget tedious chopping; this recipe streamlines your prep by skipping ingredients like carrots and celery, focusing instead on the essential aromatic foundation of onion and garlic. For an even quicker start, feel free to use pre-minced garlic, saving you precious minutes.
Utilizing the electric pressure cooker for this recipe is a game-changer. The Instant Pot efficiently infuses all the incredible flavors from the Italian sausage into the broth, creating a depth of taste usually reserved for slow-simmered soups. Whether you prefer a mild, sweet, or hot kick, you can easily customize the soup by choosing your favorite type of Italian sausage.
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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and flavor. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: From the moment you start prepping to the first delicious spoonful, this entire soup recipe comes together in an impressive 30 minutes. The Instant Pot significantly cuts down cooking time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Luxuriously Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream transforms this into an incredibly creamy tortellini soup, providing a rich and indulgent mouthfeel that’s utterly satisfying. It perfectly balances the savory notes of the sausage and the freshness of the spinach.
- Effortless with Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. This recipe relies on readily available pantry staples and common fresh ingredients found at any grocery store, ensuring a delicious meal without extra fuss or expense.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in your Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. Enjoy a gourmet-tasting soup without a stack of dirty dishes afterward!
- Bursting with Flavor: The pressure cooking method truly locks in and intensifies the flavors of the Italian sausage, tomatoes, and seasonings, creating a deeply aromatic and incredibly delicious broth that is unmatched by stovetop methods in such a short time.
Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Tortellini Soup
While this creamy Instant Pot tortellini soup is a meal in itself, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate your dining experience. The rich flavors of the sausage and tortellini are beautifully complemented by fresh, crisp accompaniments.
Consider serving this hearty soup alongside a light and refreshing spinach salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the soup. And, of course, no comforting soup is complete without something delicious to dip! Homemade garlic bread, like this best garlic bread recipe, or simply a crusty loaf of artisanal bread, is an absolute must to soak up every last drop of that incredible broth.
Looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes to complement your meal or expand your repertoire? You might enjoy a flavorful Instant Pot taco pasta or the family-favorite Instant Pot cheeseburger macaroni for other quick and satisfying meals.
If you love the idea of this soup but prefer a slower cooking method, you’re in luck! Try this delicious slow cooker version from A Family Feast for a similar comfort food experience with minimal hands-on time.
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Gather Your Ingredients for This Delicious Soup
One of the best aspects of this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust and creamy flavor profile of this beloved comfort dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and building the initial flavor base.
- Ground mild Italian sausage: The star protein that infuses the soup with its characteristic savory, fennel-kissed flavor. Choose mild for a family-friendly taste, or opt for sweet or hot varieties to suit your preference.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped to provide a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed with the sausage.
- Minced garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth that is indispensable in Italian-inspired dishes. Freshly minced is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch for speed.
- Chicken broth or chicken stock: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup. Use a good quality broth for best results. Vegetable broth is also an excellent alternative.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These small, pasta pockets filled with cheese cook quickly and add a delightful chewiness and creaminess to every spoonful. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini is recommended for optimal texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, undrained, contribute acidity and a robust tomato flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that ties all the flavors together.
- Ground black pepper: For a touch of subtle warmth and spice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a gentle background heat that complements the Italian sausage beautifully. Adjust to your desired spice level.
- Fresh baby spinach: A healthy addition that wilts down easily, adding a vibrant color and mild, earthy flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: The key to achieving that incredibly smooth and creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
- Shredded parmesan cheese, optional: For garnish and an extra layer of salty, umami goodness. Freshly grated is always superior!
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
A Note on Salt: You might notice that this recipe does not explicitly call for added salt. Italian sausage can be quite salty on its own, and the pressure cooking process really concentrates and melds flavors beautifully. This often means that additional salt is unnecessary, as the ingredients themselves provide ample seasoning. We recommend waiting until the very end – after the heavy cream has been stirred in – to taste the soup. At that point, you can decide if any extra salt or seasoning is needed to suit your palate. This approach prevents over-salting and ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
How to Make Instant Pot Tortellini Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious creamy tortellini soup in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, transforming humble ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bowl every time:
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Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage: Begin by hitting the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the olive oil. Then, crumble in the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it browns. Simultaneously, add the chopped yellow onion to the pot, allowing it to cook down and soften with the sausage. The goal here is to get a nice, even brown on the sausage, which adds significant depth of flavor to your soup. Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked through and the onion is translucent, stir in the minced garlic. Continue to sauté for just one more minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant – be careful not to burn it! If there’s an excessive amount of rendered fat, you can carefully drain a portion of it at this stage for a lighter soup, though a little fat adds richness.
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Deglaze and Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour a small splash of chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Immediately use a flat-edged wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, not only adds incredible flavor to your soup but also helps prevent the dreaded “Burn” error on your Instant Pot. Once deglazed, add the remaining chicken broth, the refrigerated tortellini, the undrained can of diced tomatoes (the liquid is important!), Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. It’s important *not* to stir the contents after adding the tortellini. Instead, gently press the tortellini down with your spatula to submerge them slightly in the liquid. Layering the ingredients this way, with the liquid on the bottom and pasta on top, helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
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Pressure Cook: Cancel the “Sauté” function. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure it’s properly sealed. Turn the steam release knob to the “Sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” on older models) on High pressure for just 2 minutes. Please note that it will take approximately 10-15 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure before the actual 2-minute cook time begins. This pressurizing time is crucial for building the deep flavors.
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Quick Release Pressure: Once the 2-minute cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. This means moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to rapidly release the steam. Be cautious as hot steam will escape. If you notice any liquid spitting from the steam release valve, immediately close the valve and wait for 3-5 minutes before attempting to quick release the remaining pressure. This pause allows any foam to settle and prevents a messy eruption.
Important Note on Quick Release for Soups: Typically, with liquid-heavy meals or soups, a natural pressure release is recommended to prevent hot liquid from spewing out of the steam valve. However, this specific Instant Pot Tortellini Soup recipe is designed for a quick release, as the pasta cooks very fast. The brief cook time combined with a quick release ensures your tortellini remains perfectly al dente and not mushy.
After the pressure has been fully released, carefully remove the lid. You’ll observe that the tortellini have plumped up and floated to the top, perfectly cooked and ready for the final touches.
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Stir in Spinach and Cream: Next, add the fresh baby spinach to the hot soup. Gently stir it in; the residual heat from the soup will quickly wilt the spinach in just 1 to 2 minutes. Once the spinach has softened and integrated into the soup, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated, transforming the broth into a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary, remembering our earlier note about salt.
Serve your steaming hot creamy tortellini soup immediately. Garnish generously with freshly shredded or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and appeal. Other delightful garnish ideas include a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a hint of brightness, or thinly sliced green onions for a mild, savory crunch.
Versatile Substitutions for Your Tortellini Soup
One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few easy tips to customize your soup based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- For a Lighter Soup (Less Fat): If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can easily skip the heavy whipping cream. This soup is wonderfully flavorful and satisfying even without the added dairy. Additionally, after browning the Italian sausage, you can carefully drain any excess rendered fat from the pot before continuing with the recipe. This small step can make a big difference in the overall fat content.
- Boost Your Veggies: To make this a more vegetable-forward soup, consider adding more hearty vegetables. Diced carrots, celery, and zucchini are excellent additions. You can add them along with the onion at the sautéing stage (carrots and celery) or with the broth (zucchini) to cook perfectly under pressure.
- Alternative Greens: While fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully, other leafy greens can be used. Shredded kale is a fantastic alternative; just add it along with the baby spinach and allow a few extra minutes for it to soften. You could also try Swiss chard.
- Broth Options: Feel free to use either chicken broth or vegetable broth as the base for your soup. Opting for vegetable broth is a key step if you’re making a vegetarian version (see below).
- Tortellini Varieties: While cheese tortellini is classic, feel free to experiment with other refrigerated tortellini fillings, such as meat-filled or spinach and ricotta tortellini, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Other Meats: If Italian sausage isn’t available or preferred, ground turkey sausage or even lean ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs can be used as a substitute. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Making This Soup Fit Your Diet
This creamy Instant Pot tortellini soup can be easily adjusted to suit various dietary requirements without compromising on taste:
- Vegetarian Adaptation: To effortlessly transform this into a vegetarian delight, simply replace the chicken broth with a flavorful vegetable broth. Crucially, omit the Italian sausage entirely. If you choose to leave out the sausage, remember to add about a half teaspoon of salt (or to taste) to the soup, as the sausage typically provides a significant amount of seasoning. You can also boost the umami by adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a dash of soy sauce/tamari.
- Gluten-Free: If you are looking for a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free tortellini, which are increasingly available in many grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free (Mostly): To make this soup dairy-free, you will need to use dairy-free tortellini (if available) or simply omit the tortellini and use another pasta. Also, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based unsweetened cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Customizing the Heat Level of Your Cozy Soup
Another fantastic feature of this cozy, warm Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is how easily you can customize the heat level to perfectly match your family’s preferences. Whether you like it subtly warm or with a fiery kick, here’s how to adjust:
- Mild Version: For a gentle and family-friendly flavor, make sure to use mild or sweet Italian sausage. Completely omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the ingredient list. This will result in a rich and savory soup with no noticeable heat.
- Medium Version: To achieve a balanced warmth that’s flavorful but not overpowering, simply follow the recipe exactly as listed. The ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, combined with the mild Italian sausage, provides a pleasant, subtle kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Hot Version: If you love a soup with a serious kick, opt for hot Italian sausage. You can also increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or even a full teaspoon, depending on your desired level of spice. A pinch of cayenne pepper could also be added for extra heat.
Essential Equipment for Your Instant Pot Soup
To whip up this incredibly quick and delicious Instant Pot Tortellini Soup, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. The star of the show, of course, is your electric pressure cooker.
For this recipe, I personally rely on the reliable Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart. This model offers the perfect capacity for family-sized meals like this soup. As with any pressure cooker, it’s crucial to thoroughly read and understand your user manual to ensure safe and efficient operation. Always be mindful of the steam release and lid sealing mechanisms.
Beyond the Instant Pot, a few basic kitchen tools will make your prep even smoother. You will also need a sharp chef’s knife for dicing your onion and mincing your garlic (unless you’re using pre-minced options). A sturdy cutting board is also essential for safe and comfortable chopping. A heat-resistant spatula is incredibly useful for breaking up the sausage and deglazing the pot.
Storing Your Leftover Tortellini Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious sausage tortellini soup long after it’s cooked. Here’s what you need to know to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigeration: Any leftover Instant Pot tortellini soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality and taste for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use your microwave for a quick single serving. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Freezing Recommendations: For this specific creamy tortellini soup, freezing is generally not recommended for optimal results. The pasta, particularly tortellini, can become quite mushy and lose its desirable texture during the freeze-thaw process. Additionally, dairy-based soups, like this creamy version, have a tendency for the heavy cream to separate when frozen and reheated, resulting in a grainy or curdled texture.
- Freezing Alternative: If you’re keen on meal prepping or extending the life of your soup base, there is a workaround! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the tortellini, baby spinach, and heavy cream. Freeze this savory sausage and tomato broth base in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply defrost the base, bring it to a simmer on the stovetop, and then add fresh tortellini, baby spinach, and heavy cream, cooking until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted. This method ensures you get all the fantastic flavors without compromising the texture of your pasta or the creaminess of your broth.
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Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Equipment
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Pressure cooker
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage or Italian sausage with casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9-10 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach packed
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Shredded parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
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Using the Instant Pot’s Sauté setting, heat the olive oil. Brown the Italian sausage and cook the onion together in the pot, breaking the meat up into small crumbles. When the sausage is cooked, add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Drain excess fat if desired.
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Add a splash of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to deglaze if needed, scraping the bottom of the pot with a flat spatula. This helps to prevent a burn error. Then, add the remaining broth, the tortellini, diced tomatoes (do not drain), Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Do not stir, but gently press the tortellini to submerge it.
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Cancel the Sauté, close the lid, and turn the knob to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 2 minutes. It will take the pot about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
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When the cooking time is complete, carefully quick release the pressure. If the steam release valve spits liquid, close the valve and wait 3-5 minutes before finishing the quick release.
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After the pressure is released, remove the lid and stir in the baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt (about 1-2 minutes) before stirring in the heavy cream. Serve with shredded parmesan (optional).
Notes
- Mild version: Use mild or sweet Italian sausage, omit crushed red pepper flakes.
- Medium version: Follow the recipe as listed.
- Hot version: Use hot Italian sausage.
Vegetable stock can be used in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Shredded kale can be used in place of baby spinach for added texture and nutrients.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Cooking soup in an Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker offers several advantages. Primarily, it significantly speeds up the cooking process while still achieving the rich, complex flavors usually associated with slow-simmered soups. The high-pressure environment forces liquids and flavors deep into the ingredients, creating a depth of taste in a fraction of the time. In this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup, the pressure cooker is particularly effective at extracting and infusing the savory notes of the Italian sausage into the creamy broth, making every spoonful incredibly flavorful.
Italian sausage is a seasoned ground pork sausage renowned for its distinct flavor profile. It typically includes a blend of spices such as fennel (which gives it its signature taste), garlic, paprika, and sometimes red pepper flakes. You can usually find it pre-ground in bulk, labeled as “ground Italian sausage.” If you can only find Italian sausage in casings (like links), don’t worry! Simply remove the casings before browning the meat in the pot, and proceed with the recipe as directed. It comes in mild, sweet, or hot varieties, allowing you to choose the spice level that best suits your palate for this creamy tortellini soup.
While it might seem convenient, freezing this specific creamy tortellini soup is generally not recommended. There are two main reasons: pasta, like tortellini, tends to become soft and mushy after being frozen and then thawed, losing its pleasant texture. Additionally, dairy-based soups, which rely on heavy cream for their richness, can sometimes separate or become grainy once frozen and reheated. The best way to enjoy this soup is fresh. However, if you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the soup base (sausage, broth, tomatoes, seasonings) without the tortellini, spinach, and cream. When ready to eat, thaw the base, bring it to a simmer, and then add the fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream for a delicious, fresh-tasting meal.
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe. There’s usually no need to thaw it first. Simply add the frozen tortellini directly to the Instant Pot as instructed, gently pushing them into the broth. The cooking time of 2 minutes on high pressure should still be sufficient, as the tortellini will cook quickly from frozen. Keep in mind that fresh or refrigerated tortellini often yields a slightly better texture, but frozen works perfectly well for convenience.
Yes, deglazing the Instant Pot is a crucial step, especially when you’ve sautéed ingredients like sausage or onions. Those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot are packed with flavor, and scraping them up with a splash of liquid incorporates that flavor into your soup. More importantly, leaving those bits on the bottom can trigger the “Burn” error on your Instant Pot during pressure cooking, as they can scorch. So, taking a minute to deglaze ensures both optimal flavor and smooth operation of your appliance.
Important Food Safety Guidelines
When preparing any meal, especially those involving raw meat, adhering to food safety practices is paramount to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience. Please keep these important reminders in mind:
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Always cook ground meats, such as Italian sausage, to a minimum internal temperature of 160 °F (71.1 °C). Use a food thermometer to verify.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Never use the same utensils, cutting boards, or dishes on cooked food that have previously come into contact with raw meat. Always wash them thoroughly or use separate ones.
- Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds immediately after handling raw meat.
- Temperature Danger Zone: Do not leave cooked food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
- Never Leave Cooking Unattended: Always keep an eye on your cooking food, especially when using the Sauté function or during any stovetop reheating.
- Instant Pot Safety: Always follow the specific safety instructions provided in your electric pressure cooker’s user manual. This includes proper lid placement, sealing, and pressure release procedures.
For more comprehensive guidelines on safe food handling and preparation, please refer to USDA.gov.
