If you have a craving for something deeply comforting yet packed with layers of flavor, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with tender tortellini pasta, all swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth brightened by fresh kale. It’s a hearty dish that’s as satisfying as a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this soup balances richness and spice with a lovely peppery punch, turning simple ingredients into a memorable meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building its cozy, layered flavor. From the spicy sausage to the vibrant kale and creamy broth, these essentials come together simply and beautifully.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The star protein that brings warmth and spice to the soup.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For that unmistakable savory aroma and flavor.
- 3 Tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the broth into a luscious creamy base.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Adds an earthy, classic Italian touch.
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional): Gives a subtle heat kick that awakens your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Surprisingly subtle here, it elevates other seasonings without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Enhances the broth’s depth with a mild tangy warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Grounds the flavor with just the right amount of spiciness.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Adds a final layer of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the irresistible creamy texture everyone will adore.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties every ingredient together.
- 2 cups kale (chopped): A fresh, healthy touch that adds texture and color.
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen): The tender, cheesy pasta that completes every comforting spoonful.
- Salt to taste: Brings out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
The first step sets the foundation for your soup’s flavor. Remove the casings if you’re using Italian sausage links and crumble the sausage into a heated pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them together until the onions are soft and translucent and the sausage is cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily. Just when your kitchen smells amazing, stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and onion mixture and stir well. Cook this for 1 to 2 minutes; this step is key to getting rid of the raw flour taste and begins thickening your broth in a way that feels luxuriously creamy.
Step 3: Season the Base
Next comes the magic of herbs and spices! Add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne if you’re using it, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to blend all these flavors with the roux mixture, building the rich, complex backbone of your soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to ‘scrape’ the bottom of the pot, loosening all those flavorful browned bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer gently. This simmering melds the flavors while the broth thickens and becomes silky.
Step 5: Toss in Kale and Tortellini
Add your chopped kale and tortellini into the pot. Let everything simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, or slightly longer if your tortellini needs more time. For longer cooking tortellini, add it first and introduce the kale in the last few minutes to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Now comes the taste test! Add salt starting with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your liking. The soup should feel balanced with the right kick of seasoning. Scoop the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this rustic soup into something truly special. Try sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top or a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. A swirl of extra cream or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add richness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Garlic Bread with Cheese is a classic and perfect companion for this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. The crispy, buttery bread soaked with melted cheese complements the creamy soup beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or individual mini cast-iron pots. You can also layer the soup with kale chips on top for a delightful crunch. Presenting with a side of roasted vegetables or a splash of hot sauce on the side adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container as soon as it cools to keep flavors fresh and to prevent any sogginess in the tortellini.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, keep in mind that tortellini can sometimes become a bit softer after thawing and reheating. For best texture, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick after reheating. If you froze the soup without tortellini, add freshly cooked tortellini during warming.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely, turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative. Just choose one with seasoning that fits your flavor preference, and the soup will still taste fantastic with a slightly lighter profile.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but keep in mind the broth won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Heavy cream really gives this soup its signature velvety texture.
What type of tortellini works best here?
Cheese-filled refrigerated or frozen tortellini work best. Fresh tortellini tends to cook faster and absorb flavors beautifully. Avoid dry tortellini, as it will require longer cooking and may alter the soup’s texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Swap out the sausage for a plant-based sausage or plenty of sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a rich, flavorful soup, just with a veggie twist.
How spicy is this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to ingredients like cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting these depending on your taste buds’ tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is the ultimate way to bring comforting, restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s a meal that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup that combines savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-packed kale in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, with subtle hints of spice and herbs to enhance every bite.
Ingredients
Main 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
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black 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
- Prepare sausage and onions: Remove casings from sausage if using links. Cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until onions are softened and sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Season soup base: Add dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook kale and tortellini: Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through and kale is tender. If tortellini requires longer cooking, add it first, then add kale during the last 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt as needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon and increasing to taste.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and serve immediately. This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread topped with cheese.
Notes
- The mustard powder and hot sauce add subtle layers of flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the soup.
- Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini depending on preference; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier soup, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Drain sausage grease thoroughly to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
