If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to the Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. This soup combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with delicate, cheesy tortellini swimming in a creamy, herb-spiced broth that’s loaded with tender kale. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something quick to make yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this soup is in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role securing the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and color, making it feel both rustic and elegant. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this hearty dish to life:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The foundation of flavor, providing spice and richness.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth to every bite.
- 3 Tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the broth for a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces subtle herbal notes.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Adds classic Italian seasoning to enhance the sausage.
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional): Offers a hint of heat without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: A secret ingredient to uplift all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Provides a subtle tang that complements the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: For mild spice and seasoning balance.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Offers an extra kick if you like more heat.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup that luscious, velvety finish.
- 5 cups chicken broth: Builds a savory base for the soup.
- 2 cups kale (chopped): Adds color, nutrition, and texture.
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen): Soft pillows of cheesy goodness.
- Salt to taste: Adjusts overall seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sausage and Onions
First, if you’re using sausage links, go ahead and remove the casings. Then, cook and crumble the sausage along with the diced onions over medium-high heat. This step takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and it’s crucial because it softens the onions and cooks the sausage thoroughly, allowing all those savory flavors to develop. Once cooked, drain off the excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook it just for a minute; this short burst keeps the garlic fragrant but prevents bitterness.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup Base
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage mixture and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to build the creamy texture that defines this soup. Stir continuously to avoid any lumps and ensure a smooth finish later.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Now comes the magic blend of herbs and spices. Toss in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne if using, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to combine. These layers of seasoning create a complex but harmonious taste that sets this apart from everyday soups.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom for extra flavor. Then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring this to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. The cream adds a richness that makes every spoonful indulgent yet comforting.
Step 5: Add the Kale and Tortellini
Stir in the chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the kale wilts and the tortellini are tender. Pro tip: If your tortellini needs extra cooking time, add it first, then toss in the kale during the final five minutes so it stays fresh and vibrant.
Step 6: Final Taste and Seasoning
Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt as needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more gradually. This final seasoning step elevates all the flavors and ensures your soup is perfectly balanced and satisfyingly savory.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and prepare to savor every bite. It’s fantastic served hot, with a slice of warm, cheesy garlic bread on the side to soak up that delicious broth.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your soup with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. These simple garnishes add a fresh brightness or an extra layer of flavor that makes the soup feel restaurant-worthy right at home.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, focaccia, or classic garlic bread with cheese. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also lighten the meal and balance out the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out large tomatoes for a festive look. You can also sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts on top for a surprising crunch. These little creative touches elevate your Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for special occasions or casual weeknight dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. This soup will keep well for up to 3 days. Before storing, you might want to undercook the tortellini slightly to prevent it from becoming too soft later.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that tortellini might become a bit softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without tortellini and kale, then add fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you froze the tortellini and kale separately, add them in during the last few minutes of reheating. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetarian sausage for this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a plant-based sausage will still give you plenty of flavor and texture, just be sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding the other ingredients.
What type of tortellini works best in this soup?
Cheese-filled tortellini is classic here because its creamy center complements the broth perfectly, but you can also experiment with meat or spinach tortellini for a different twist.
Is it okay to substitute kale with another green?
Definitely! Swiss chard, spinach, or even collard greens can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking time since some greens are more delicate than kale.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap out heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and choose a dairy-free tortellini to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level is mild and can be adjusted easily by adding or omitting the cayenne and red pepper flakes. The hot sauce is subtle and mainly enhances the overall flavor rather than adding heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe that comforts, satisfies, and delights all at once. It’s simple enough for any night of the week but elegant enough to impress guests. Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this soup brings together the best of Italian-inspired cooking in one pot. I promise once you make it, your family and friends will be asking for it on repeat!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (about 10 cups)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy, aromatic broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this soup offers a delightful blend of Italian herbs and spices with a subtle kick from hot sauce and cayenne, all simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Spices
- 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 pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Liquids and Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Onion: Remove casings from the sausage if using links. Cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until onions soften and sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Incorporate Spices: Stir in dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavors.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook Kale and Tortellini: Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or cook tortellini first if it requires longer, adding kale during the last 5 minutes to keep it tender.
- Season Soup: Taste the soup and season with salt as desired, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adjusting to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pairs wonderfully with Garlic Bread with Cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- The mustard powder and hot sauce add a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall profile of the soup.
- Use either hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Frozen or refrigerated tortellini work equally well; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adding kale towards the end preserves texture and nutrients.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
