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If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl that packs a punch of flavor and a delightful blend of textures, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining hearty Italian sausage with tender tortellini, vibrant kale, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a big, delicious hug on a chilly day. Each spoonful is bursting with personality, making this recipe a must-have for anyone who loves soulful, satisfying meals that come together quickly without compromising on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in creating a soup that’s rich, spicy, and surprisingly fresh. From savory sausage and aromatic herbs to creamy broth and nutrient-packed kale, every component balances the others beautifully.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): Provides the meaty, flavorful base that makes this soup truly irresistible.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant backbone that elevates all the savory notes.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, giving the broth a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a gentle herbal flavor that complements the sausage.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds earthiness and complexity.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who like a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete or Frank’s): Brings a tangy heat that brightens the soup’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a little sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Enhances the spiciness, adjustable to your heat preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky body of the soup, making every spoonful indulgent.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 cups chopped kale: Adds a vibrant green color and nutritious bite.
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen): Soft pillows of pasta that soak up all the fabulous flavors.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out the full flavor of the soup.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Start by removing the casings from the sausage if needed, then brown it together with the diced onion in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This step builds the foundation of rich flavor. After draining any excess grease, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—this quick sauté ensures the garlic’s aroma infuses the base without turning bitter.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Flour and Spices
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This not only removes the raw flour taste but also helps thicken the soup later on. Next, stir in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper if you like heat, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. These herbs and spices make the broth vibrantly flavorful and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth carefully, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen and incorporate any browned bits—this adds even more depth. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a luxuriously creamy base. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so the soup can simmer.
Step 4: Cook Tortellini and Kale
Add the tortellini to the simmering broth and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, following the package directions for perfect tenderness. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, toss in the chopped kale so it wilts just enough to retain its bright green color and fresh texture, adding both nutrition and a pleasant slight crunch.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give the soup a final taste and season with salt as needed. This step is key to ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Serve your Sausage Tortellini Soup hot, preferably with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this soup to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that perfectly complements the creamy broth and spicy sausage.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when paired with simple sides that won’t compete but will enhance the comforting vibe. Serve with a warm, crusty baguette, garlic knots, or even a fresh green side salad for some crispness. These sides balance the hearty richness and make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—this is not only charming but adds edible scoops to your meal. Another idea is to top each serving with a drizzle of chili oil or a spoonful of pesto, introducing exciting layers of flavor and an inviting visual contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. As the tortellini soak up the broth over time, the soup’s texture will thicken, so stirring in a splash of broth or water before reheating helps bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. For best results, separate out the tortellini before freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze the broth and sausage base alone, then add fresh tortellini when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure the cream doesn’t scorch. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If you froze the base separately, boil fresh tortellini separately and add them to the reheated soup before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage lends the best traditional flavor, you can swap it with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a different twist. Just adjust seasonings as needed since different sausages vary in salt and spice.
Is it okay to use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated or frozen?
You can use dried tortellini, but keep in mind they will need to cook longer in the soup. Add them earlier in the cooking process and increase the simmering time so they become tender without overcooking the kale or other ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe relies on the sausage for its bold flavor, but you can adapt it by using plant-based sausage substitutes and vegetable broth. Add extra seasoning to compensate for the missing meatiness, and it can be just as satisfying.
What can I add to make the soup thicker or creamier?
If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour to 4 tablespoons or add a bit more heavy cream. Alternatively, stirring in some cream cheese or a tablespoon of mascarpone can make the broth even richer and velvety.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is moderate, balanced by the cream and tortellini. You can adjust spiciness by controlling the amount of cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit these if you prefer a milder soup, or add more for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm embrace on any day you want comfort and flavor in one bowl. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet hearty enough to impress family and friends. So grab your ingredients and settle in for a delicious experience—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your all-time favorite soups.
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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 hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines spicy Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy-to-make soup offers a delightful blend of spices and textures that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Flour
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete or Frank’s)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Liquids and Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onions: Remove casings from sausage if necessary. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage mixture, stirring constantly and cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup later.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to evenly coat the sausage mixture and build flavor.
- Pour in Broth and Cream: Slowly add the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Then pour in the heavy cream slowly, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
- Cook Tortellini and Kale: Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or according to package instructions until tender. Add the chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to wilt it without losing its vibrant color and nutrition.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use mild or hot Italian sausage based on your spice preference.
- Fresh tortellini cooks quickly; adjust cooking time accordingly if using frozen.
- For a thicker soup, add a little more flour or reduce the broth slightly.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a lower fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
