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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Develop Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its intense flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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