Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal, featuring tender tortellini, hearty Italian sausage, and a creamy broth packed with herbs and spices. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days!
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Hot or mild, adds a rich and savory base.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Flour: Thickens the soup for a creamy consistency.
- Herbs & Spices: Basil, oregano, cayenne, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes infuse the soup with bold flavors.
- Hot Sauce: Adds subtle heat and enhances the seasoning.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety texture.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base.
- Kale: Adds a nutritious and slightly bitter contrast.
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
- If using sausage links, remove the casings.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage with the diced onion for 8-10 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the basil, oregano, cayenne, mustard powder, hot sauce, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
- Stir in the kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, add it first and stir in the kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and add salt as needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon. Serve hot with garlic bread or cheesy rolls for a complete meal.
How to Serve
Pair this soup with:
- Garlic Bread or Cheese Breadsticks.
- A crisp side salad for added freshness.
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra indulgence.
Make Over
Make Ahead
Prepare the soup base up to the point of adding the kale and tortellini. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and add the final ingredients when reheating.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling.
Freezing
Freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes! Substitute 2-3 cups of spinach for kale, adding it once the tortellini is cooked, and let it wilt for about 30 seconds.
What kind of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini, such as RANA brand, is ideal. Frozen tortellini also works well; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this spicier?
Increase the cayenne and red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it an irresistible addition to your recipe collection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy broth seasoned with bold spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it pairs beautifully with garlic bread for a complete feast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Onions:
- Remove the casings from sausage if using links. Cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until the sausage is cooked through and onions are softened (8–10 minutes).
- Drain excess grease and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Make the Base:
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add Broth and Cream:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add Kale and Tortellini:
- Stir in chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. If using tortellini that requires a longer cooking time, add it first and stir in kale during the last 5 minutes.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt as needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm with garlic bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- Tortellini: I recommend RANA refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini, but any variety works.
- Extra Flavor: Add a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering for extra richness. Discard any remaining rind before serving.
- Spinach Option: Substitute 2–3 cups of spinach for kale, stirring it in at the end until wilted (about 30 seconds).
- Make It Your Own: Adjust spice levels by adding more cayenne or hot sauce, or skip for a milder soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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