The Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Crafting a hearty sausage tortellini soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Fragrant herbs and robust ingredients mingle in this soul-warming dish.

Chilly evenings demand something substantial and satisfying for dinner.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired this delightful creation that combines rich Italian flavors with simple home cooking techniques.

Meaty sausage chunks nestle between soft pasta pillows, creating delectable bites in every spoonful.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup promises to become a household favorite.

Come cook alongside me and transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Sausage Tortellini Soup So Satisfying

• Customize Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty spices like cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, this soup delivers a delightful kick that transforms an ordinary meal into a taste adventure.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Using just one pot and minimal ingredients, this recipe streamlines dinner preparation, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and satisfying meal without complicated steps.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Combo: Combining protein-rich sausage, hearty tortellini, and nutrient-packed kale creates a balanced dish that offers both comfort and wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
• Quick Comfort Food Makeover: This soup turns standard ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills, guaranteeing a crowd-pleasing dinner that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

Everything That Goes in Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Sausage: Provides a rich, savory flavor and hearty base for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the soup.
• Garlic: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Kale: Add nutritional value and depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Tortellini: Serves as the main starch and provides a satisfying texture.

• Basil, Oregano, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance the overall taste with warm and spicy notes.
• Cayenne, Hot Sauce, Mustard Powder: Contribute additional layers of heat and complexity.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.

• Salt: Balances and heightens the soup's overall flavor.

How to Cook Sausage Tortellini Soup Smoothly

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

Remove casings from sausage links if needed. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in sausage and diced onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the sausage turns golden brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Drain any excess grease from the pot. Sprinkle minced garlic into the mixture and cook for an additional minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Build Robust Flavor Base

Dust flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce
• Mustard powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.

Step 3: Create Creamy Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a silicone spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Slowly incorporate heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a soft boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Hearty Ingredients

Introduce tortellini and kale to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until tortellini becomes tender.

For frozen tortellini, check package instructions and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt as needed.

Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve alongside garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips to Get the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Flavor

• Choose turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, healthier version of this hearty soup without sacrificing flavor.
• Temper the heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot broth before stirring into the soup to prevent curdling.
• Cook tortellini just until tender to avoid mushy pasta; frozen tortellini might need slightly longer simmering time.
• Swap kale for spinach or add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more depth.
• Adjust heat by increasing red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier soup experience.

Different Takes on Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu, maintaining the same cooking method and spice profile for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour, swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or quinoa, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lower-fat option that still provides rich, creamy texture to the soup.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Enhance the soup's flavor by adding fresh thyme, increasing cayenne pepper, or incorporating smoked paprika for a more complex and zesty profile.

Foods That Pair with Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich sausage flavors with their medium-bodied profile and slight acidity, cutting through the creamy soup perfectly.
• Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty ingredients, adding freshness and a zesty contrast to the creamy texture.
• Prepare crusty sourdough topped with melted parmesan and roasted garlic to provide a crunchy, savory companion that helps soak up the delicious soup broth.

Keeping Sausage Tortellini Soup Delicious the Next Day

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain soup quality.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini, as pasta can become mushy.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with mild or spicy versions, or even use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe includes optional cayenne and red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level by adjusting or omitting these ingredients. For a mild version, skip the spicy additions.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The tortellini will still provide protein and flavor.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean turkey sausage, low-fat tortellini, and replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian charm in this hearty sausage tortellini soup, blending robust flavors with tender pasta pillows. Warm spices and rich broth create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 2 cups tortellini
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Protein: Remove casings from sausage links if necessary. In a large pot, sauté sausage and onions over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles until browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
2. Develop Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its intense flavor.
3. Create Flavor Base: Dust flour over the sausage mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Incorporate herbs and spices including basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring even distribution.
4. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a silicone spatula to scrape browned bits from the bottom, enhancing the soup’s depth. Gradually introduce heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Incorporate Tortellini and Greens: Add tortellini and kale to the simmering liquid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or according to tortellini package instructions, until pasta is tender and kale is slightly wilted.
6. Final Seasoning and Presentation: Adjust salt to taste, starting with a small amount. Serve piping hot, accompanied by garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a complete meal.

Notes

• Choose lean sausage to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier soup option.
• Remove sausage casings carefully to ensure smooth, even meat distribution throughout the soup.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent an overly greasy texture and maintain a clean, balanced flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling cayenne and red pepper flakes for personalized heat intensity.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
• Use fresh tortellini for better texture and flavor compared to frozen alternatives.
• Add kale just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with different tortellini fillings like cheese, spinach, or meat to create unique variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg