Name: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces ground Italian sausage (or ground beef or any other ground protein); 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 29 ounces canned diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken stock or broth (can substitute beef broth/stock); 2 cups hot water; 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 2 bay leaves; 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 142 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in no time, this Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato broth that sings with herbs and garlic, this soup delivers warm, cozy satisfaction with every spoonful. It’s delightfully simple to prepare yet full of bold flavors that make it feel like a special occasion — perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a bowl of pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cutting board is placed on a white marbled surface. On the right side of the board, there is a large pile of chopped white onion with square and rectangular pieces. Below the onion, a smaller pile of finely chopped white garlic pieces is neatly arranged. At the bottom left of the board, there are a few fresh green basil leaves, one whole and some sliced into strips. A large kitchen knife with a silver blade and black handle rests on the right edge of the cutting board, its blade partially on the onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients together for this soup is refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the soup’s wonderful layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the robust Italian sausage to the fragrant fresh basil, these essentials transform a simple soup into an unforgettable meal.

12 ounces ground Italian sausage: This adds rich, savory depth and a nice spicy kick to the broth.
1 yellow onion (diced): Provides a mellow sweetness and balances the sausage’s boldness.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with classic Italian aroma and flavor.
29 ounces canned diced tomatoes: Gives body and a bright, tangy element that enlivens the broth.
2 cups chicken stock or broth: Acts as the flavorful base for the soup, enriching every ingredient.
2 cups hot water: Speeds up the Instant Pot’s pressurizing and ensures perfect cooking.
12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): Adds tender, cheesy bites that make this soup special and filling.
2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its signature Mediterranean flair.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the other seasonings.
½ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish when sprinkled on top.
Fresh basil leaves: Bright, fresh herbaceous flavor that makes each bowl pop with color and freshness.

How to Make Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “sauté” function. As it warms, gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Toss in the ground Italian sausage and diced onion into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks, stirring frequently. Let this cook until the sausage is browned and the onions turn soft and translucent, roughly 5 minutes. Then add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Add the Liquids, Tomatoes, and Seasonings

Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, hot water, Italian seasoning, salt, and the bay leaves. Each element melds to create an incredibly flavorful broth, balancing tangy tomato and savory herbs with the richness from the sausage. Be sure to gently combine everything to avoid splashing, and do not fill the pot over the max line to ensure safe cooking.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese Tortellini

Carefully add the cheese tortellini right into the Instant Pot, stirring gently until it’s evenly nestled among the other ingredients. Whether you choose fresh or frozen, the tortellini will soak up that delicious broth while remaining perfectly tender, making every bite a cozy cheesy delight.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Soup

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and seal the pressure valve. Set the pot to cook at “high pressure” for just 1 minute. Yes, just one minute! Thanks to the Instant Pot’s powerful cooking, this is all it takes to cook the pasta perfectly and bring all the soup’s flavors together harmoniously.

Step 5: Quick Release and Final Touches

Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release by carefully twisting the steam valve to the “vent” position. When the pressure pin drops and it’s safe, open the lid. Remove the bay leaves — their job is done. Now your Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe is ready for serving!

How to Serve Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe

A metal pot filled with a tomato soup that contains chunks of diced red tomatoes and pieces of tortellini pasta floating on top, with some herbs sprinkled across the middle. The soup looks thick and hearty with a reddish-orange color and small bubbles around the edges. The pot is inside a black stovetop burner, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese on top of your soup. Then add fresh basil leaves for a vibrant splash of green and a wonderful herbal note. These simple garnishes elevate the soup’s flavor and presentation beautifully, making every bowl feel indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The crunch and aroma of toasted bread dipped into the rich broth create a perfect meal combination, while a crisp salad adds refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. These small touches turn a simple meal into something truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making leftovers often even better than the first serving.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but because of the cheese tortellini, it’s best to freeze the broth and sausage mixture separately without the pasta. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw and then cook fresh tortellini to add just before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after storage. Reheat just enough to warm the soup without overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef works well if you prefer a milder flavor, though Italian sausage adds a distinctive spiced taste that really complements the soup.

Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used directly in the soup. The pressure cooking time of 1 minute perfectly cooks frozen pasta without turning it mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this soup?

It has a gentle warmth from the Italian sausage and seasoning but nothing overwhelming. You can always adjust by using mild sausage or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling is possible but keep in mind the max fill line on your Instant Pot. You might need to cook in batches or use a bigger pot.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe is a personal favorite for its unbeatable combo of ease, speed, and incredible flavor. It’s perfect for feeding your family or impressing friends with minimal effort and maximum taste. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings to your table!