Hey there, friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen—sausage tortellini soup. This dish is a delightful blend of hearty flavors and creamy textures that’ll warm your heart and fill you up just right. It’s one of those recipes you can whip up in about 30 minutes, but it tastes like you’ve been laboring over the stove all day. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike—a true mealtime hero!
When my family is craving something comforting and satisfying, this soup never fails to deliver. The combination of flavors is soul-soothing, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a bowl of comforting goodness. If you enjoy robust, Italian-inspired soups, you might also want to check out my creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup. But first, let’s dive into why you’re going to love this one.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This sausage tortellini soup is not just another soup on the menu—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s sure to earn a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Quick and easy: From prep to table in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed: The aromatic basil, spicy kick from cayenne, and hearty Italian sausage create a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in my house dive into this, making it a terrific family meal.
- Adaptable: You can tweak it easily with whatever veggies or pasta you have on hand.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to gather. Here’s your checklist:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional if you love a kick)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ 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
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s walk through this delicious soup-making journey! Get ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of this hearty dish.
Step 1: Cook the sausage
First, remove the casings from the sausage if needed. Over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage along with the diced onions. You’ll want to continue until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are soft, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the grease before moving on.
Step 2: Add garlic and flour
Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, cooking it for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for a perfectly thick soup base.
Step 3: Spice it up
Bring out those spices! Add in the basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Incorporate liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—those bits are pure flavor gold! Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Increase the heat to bring it all to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
Step 5: Add greens and pasta
Drop in the kale and tortellini, allowing them to simmer for 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini needs more time to cook than your kale, just add them separately—tortellini first, then kale in the last few minutes.
Step 6: Final touches
Finally, taste your soup and add salt to your preference, starting with about ¼ teaspoon. Serve up this delightful sausage tortellini soup in bowls and enjoy!
Recipe tips & variations
- Vegetarian twist: Make it veggie-friendly by swapping the sausage for plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth instead.
- Extra veggies: Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to give your soup more color and nutrition.
- Spice level: Adjust the heat by using more or less cayenne and hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
Storage & reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, this soup stores wonderfully in the fridge. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through. Note that the tortellini might absorb more broth, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water.
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini might change slightly. If you plan on freezing, consider adding the tortellini fresh after thawing.
What other greens can I use besides kale?
Spinach or Swiss chard are great substitutes if kale isn’t your favorite.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! Mini ravioli or even small shell pasta can also work well.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Recipes you may like
I hope you enjoy this sausage tortellini soup as much as my family does. It’s become a warm, comforting favorite in our home, and I bet it’ll become yours too! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your own twists and tips!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty sausage tortellini soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 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
- First, remove the casings from the sausage if needed. Over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage along with the diced onions. You’ll want to continue until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are soft, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the grease before moving on.
- Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, cooking it for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for a perfectly thick soup base.
- Add in the basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—those bits are pure flavor gold! Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Increase the heat to bring it all to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
- Drop in the kale and tortellini, allowing them to simmer for 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini needs more time to cook than your kale, just add them separately—tortellini first, then kale in the last few minutes.
- Finally, taste your soup and add salt to your preference, starting with about ¼ teaspoon. Serve up this delightful sausage tortellini soup in bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it veggie-friendly by swapping the sausage for plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth instead.
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to give your soup more color and nutrition.
- Adjust the heat by using more or less cayenne and hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
- If you find yourself with leftovers, this soup stores wonderfully in the fridge.
- Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg