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
Scale
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.
