If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that comes together in a flash but tastes like it’s been simmering all day, Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is your new favorite go-to. This bowl of comfort bursts with juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, savory vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth. You get hearty flavors and rich textures, all prepared effortlessly in your Instant Pot! Trust me, this is the kind of soup that brings everyone running to the table, spoon in hand and eyes wide with anticipation.

Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an important role in creating layers of flavor and a dreamy texture. Don’t skimp or swap without reading the tips — every component adds something special!

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to kick off the soup with a hint of richness and round out the flavors of the sausage.
Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, your call! Removing the casing makes it easy to crumble — this is the star that infuses savory depth throughout Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage.
Diced onions: The aromatic backbone that gets sweet and tender, flavoring the broth right from the start.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves give your soup a fragrant, mouth-watering base that just can’t be beat.
Low sodium beef broth: This keeps the soup from being salty and lets the other flavors shine, while giving that classic “cooked all day” taste.
Canned diced tomatoes: Their acidity balances the richness and brings lovely color plus little tomato chunks in every bite.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that really brings together all of those Italian-inspired flavors in this cozy dish.
Cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pillows that cook up perfectly in the Instant Pot — choose the smaller variety for easier eating.
Diced zucchini: Adds gorgeous green color, subtle sweetness, and gives the soup a bit of a fresh, veggie lift.
Heavy whipping cream: This is the secret to ultra-creaminess, making Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage feel extra luxurious and satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage, Onions, and Garlic

Let’s start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks, and sauté the mixture for about 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sausage is browned and the onions are deliciously translucent, forming a fragrant, savory foundation for your Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

Once everything is golden and your kitchen smells amazing, pour in about half a cup of the beef broth. Use the spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom — those little bits are pure flavor gold and add even more depth to your soup.

Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Herbs

Now, stir in the remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and Italian seasoning. Everything comes together here, infusing the broth with herby, savory notes. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. This hands-off step makes those savory flavors taste like they’ve been developing for hours.

Step 4: Quick Release & Add Tortellini and Zucchini

When the pressure timer beeps, perform a quick release. Carefully open the lid, then add the diced zucchini and cheese tortellini. Give everything a gentle stir, then set the Instant Pot back to high pressure for just 2 minutes. The tortellini cooks to pillowy perfection and the zucchini becomes tender-crisp — a delightful contrast in every bite.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season

Do one final quick release and open the lid away from you (beware of that glorious burst of steam!). Pour in the heavy whipping cream and give the soup a good stir, watching it instantly turn silky and lush. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Congratulations — you now have a pot full of Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage that looks (and smells) like pure heaven.

How to Serve Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Garnishes

This soup is just begging for a finishing touch or two! Try a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth, especially if you’ve used sweet Italian sausage. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprig of fresh basil for a little pop of color.

Side Dishes

Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is hearty enough to shine as a complete meal, but if you love a little something extra, consider warm, crusty bread, classic garlic knots, or a fresh, simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides help soak up every last drop of flavorful broth!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy touch, ladle the soup into large mugs and serve with chunky bread on the side — perfect for a movie night or casual family dinner. Hosting friends? Try dishing the soup into small bowls or ramekins for a tasting menu vibe. Add mini skewers of roasted vegetables or grilled cheese dippers to bring a playful twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini tend to absorb some of the broth, so when you reheat, you might want to add a splash of extra broth or milk to loosen things back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. Scoop the sausage, veggie, and tomato base into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw, heat, and add in fresh tortellini and cream before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or cream can revive the silkiness. If the tortellini have soaked up a lot of liquid or become soft, you can toss in a few fresh ones before serving for extra bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Absolutely! Chicken broth will yield a lighter, slightly sweeter base, while vegetable broth works well if you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian (just swap the sausage, too). Each version gives Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage a lovely but distinct flavor.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal for its tender texture, but frozen works in a pinch (you may need an extra minute of cooking time). Smaller-sized tortellini are best — they fit nicely in a spoonful and don’t overwhelm your bowl.

Can I substitute another protein for sausage?

Of course! Crumbled turkey or chicken sausage, ground beef, or even plant-based sausage alternatives all work beautifully in Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Each brings its own character, so play around and find your favorite combo.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

If you’re looking to save some calories, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (just know it won’t be quite as rich). You can also use turkey sausage and add more zucchini or spinach for a boost of veggies.

How can I make the soup spicier?

To amp up the heat, use hot Italian sausage and throw in some extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the sausage. The spice beautifully cuts through the creamy richness of the soup.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, you’ll understand why this is the kind of soup folks request again and again. It’s simple, hearty, and irresistibly comforting — and with the Instant Pot, you get deep, developed flavors in a fraction of the time. I hope you’ll give it a go and watch it bring smiles to your table, one steamy bowl at a time!