Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Craving a hearty sausage tortellini soup that warms your soul on chilly evenings?

Savory italian sausage mingles with tender pasta pillows, creating a comforting bowl of pure delight.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich broth, promising a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutritious depth to this simple yet elegant dish.

Packed with robust flavors, this soup delivers a satisfying experience for anyone seeking a quick and delicious dinner solution.

Each spoonful tells a story of rustic comfort and home-style cooking.

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that provides a savory base for the soup.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup.
Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor profile.
  • Kale: A nutritious green that brings color and health benefits to the dish.
Pasta and Thickeners:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Basil, Oregano: Herbs that provide classic Italian-inspired flavors.
  • Cayenne, Hot Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes: Ingredients that add a spicy kick to the soup.
  • Mustard Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

Remove sausage casings and toss meat into a large pot. Cook with diced onions over medium-high heat, crumbling the sausage while stirring. Keep cooking until onions turn soft and sausage is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any extra grease. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release those amazing aromas.

Step 2: Dust with Flour Magic

Sprinkle flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a rich base for your soup.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Add a flavor explosion with basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: Pour and Simmer Liquid Gold

Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Slowly stir in heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Toss in Green and Cheesy Goodness

Add kale and tortellini to the pot. Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes until tortellini is perfectly cooked. If your tortellini needs more time, add it first and incorporate kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Perfect the Flavor

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt. Start with a tiny pinch and add more if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Pair with garlic bread for a meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Pro Tips for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • Drain Excess Grease: Remove extra fat from the sausage to prevent an overly greasy soup and enhance the clean, rich flavor of the dish.
  • Customize Tortellini Options: Select cheese, meat, or spinach-filled tortellini based on personal preference or dietary needs for varied taste experiences.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy or mild soup.
  • Perfect Cooking Timing: Add tortellini at the right moment to prevent overcooking, ensuring pasta remains tender and maintains its delightful texture.
  • Balance Cream and Broth: Gradually incorporate heavy cream to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, silky soup consistency that feels luxurious.

Variation Ideas for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Soup: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chiles, swap cayenne for chipotle powder, and include black beans for a southwestern-inspired transformation with bold, zesty notes.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's hearty essence.

Pairing Suggestions for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Opt for a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, hearty flavors of sausage and cuts through the creamy broth.
  • Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a delightful side of toasted garlic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs to soak up the delicious soup and add textural contrast.
  • Brighten with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with arugula, fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Storage Advice for Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Tortellini might become slightly softer upon thawing.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent cream separation.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.

FAQs About Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage or spicy ground sausage are ideal. They provide rich flavor and complement the tortellini perfectly. Mild or hot varieties both work great depending on your preference.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled mushrooms. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to maintain a similar depth of flavor.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes and optional cayenne. You can easily adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating those ingredients. Control the heat to suit your taste.

Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe Is a Hearty Meal

  • Tackle Spicy Comfort: Perfect for those craving a bold, warming soup with a kick of heat and rich flavors.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap kale for spinach, adjust spice levels, or add extra protein to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with protein from sausage, greens from kale, and satisfying tortellini, making it a well-rounded, nourishing meal.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-23 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup brings comfort and warmth to winter tables with rich Italian-inspired flavors. Cheesy tortellini and savory sausage create a perfect one-pot meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)

Vegetables:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups kale, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 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 tortellini (just under 10 ounces, refrigerated or frozen)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Liberate sausage from casings and sauté with diced onions in a large pot over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes. Eliminate excess fat through draining.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Dust flour across sausage mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to neutralize raw flour essence.
  4. Incorporate herbs and spices including basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend thoroughly.
  5. Deglaze pot with chicken broth, scraping bottom to capture caramelized bits. Gradually whisk in heavy cream.
  6. Elevate temperature to boiling point, then reduce to gentle simmer.
  7. Introduce kale and tortellini, allowing them to nestle into broth. Simmer 3-5 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
  8. Calibrate seasoning with minimal salt, starting with a delicate 1/4 teaspoon and adjusting to personal preference.
  9. Ladle into warm bowls, accompanying with crusty garlic bread for a robust and comforting meal.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and red pepper flakes for spice preferences.
  • Select high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors for deeper taste profile.
  • Consider vegetarian alternatives by replacing sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for similar texture.
  • Prevent tortellini from becoming mushy by adding it near the end of cooking time and checking package instructions for precise cooking duration.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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