As the air turns crisp and cozy evenings beckon for something warm and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup. This delightful dish brings together savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh kale in a creamy broth that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful and Rich: A blend of Italian sausage and spices gives the soup a robust and rich taste.
- Customizable: Simple ingredient swaps can accommodate dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With a balance of savory, creamy, and a hint of spicy, it’s a surefire hit with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sausage Tortellini Soup is like assembling the perfect team—each one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate comforting meal. The combination of fresh and pantry staples ensures a dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying in texture.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Opt for mild or hot depending on your spice preference; it adds the core savory flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Diced finely, it brings sweetness that enhances the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts the aromatic quality of the soup.
- Flour: This creates a roux, giving your soup a velvety thickness.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that complements the heartiness of the sausage.
- Kale: This leafy green adds texture and a nutrient boost.
- Tortellini: Use refrigerated or frozen; this pasta adds substance and pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking at home is making a recipe your own. This Sausage Tortellini Soup adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand or any dietary swaps you need to make. Here’s how you can create your custom version:
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap out sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable stock for a meatless option without sacrificing flavor.
- Spinach Substitute: Use fresh spinach in place of kale for a milder flavor; just add it at the end so it wilts perfectly.
- Cheese Dreams: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan right before serving for an even richer taste.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Begin by removing the sausage casings if you’re using links. In a large pot, cook and crumble the sausage along with the diced onions over medium-high heat. This should take about 8-10 minutes, just until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are softened. This step builds the foundation of flavors. Remember to drain any excess grease and then add the garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This is where you start building that luxurious, creamy texture as the flour combines with the rendered sausage fat.
Step 3: Add Broth, Cream, and Bring to Simmer
Deglaze your pot by adding the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. This ensures everything is well blended, and the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Kale and Tortellini
Gently add in the kale and tortellini. Let them simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Adjust cooking times if you’re using frozen tortellini by adding them a bit earlier.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Sausage Selection: For extra kick, use spicy Italian sausage; for milder palates, opt for mild sausage.
- Kale Prep: Remove tough stems from kale for a tender bite that complements the soft tortellini.
- Creamy Consistency: Whisk the heavy cream slowly into the broth for a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Texture Tip: If you prefer thicker soup, cook the roux a bit longer before adding broth, or reduce the soup longer before adding cream.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
To elevate your Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These additions not only enhance flavor but also add a lovely pop of color.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for sopping up that savory broth, while the salad offers a crisp counterpart to the rich, creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only is it visually enticing, but it also makes for a fun and edible dish that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making your next bowl even tastier.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Remember, it’s best to freeze before adding the tortellini, as pasta can turn mushy when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can add fresh tortellini during reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since dried pasta takes longer to cook than fresh or frozen.
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What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter. Coconut milk also works for a dairy-free option.
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Is there a gluten-free option for this soup?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour for the roux and swap the tortellini with a gluten-free pasta or rice.
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How spicy is the soup?
The heat level is mild but can be adjusted. For less spice, omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes; for more, add extra hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in whipping up a pot of savory Sausage Tortellini Soup from scratch. It’s comforting, it’s full of flavor, and it brings people together around the table. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply crave something nourishing, this is the soup to try. I can’t wait for you to experience the delight of every spoonful!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty sausage tortellini soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale in a creamy, flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s quick to prepare and customizable with greens or spice levels.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Broth and Greens
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove the casings if using link sausage. In a large pot, cook and crumble the sausage along with the 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 an additional minute.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all spices.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Gradually stir in heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add Kale and Tortellini: Stir in chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked and kale wilts. Adjust cooking time if your tortellini requires longer.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and add salt as needed (start with ¼ teaspoon). Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with garlic bread.
Notes
- Spinach Substitute: Replace kale with 2-3 cups fresh spinach; add during the last 30 seconds of cooking to wilt.
- Flavor Boost: Add a Parmesan or Romano cheese rind to the broth while simmering for extra depth; remove before serving.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage, vegetable broth, and omit the sausage to make it vegetarian.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg