Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to serve on a chilly evening, this soup checks all the boxes. Packed with flavor from Italian sausage, fresh kale, and delicious tortellini, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Enjoy its comforting creaminess while savoring the delightful blend of spices that makes this soup truly stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh ingredients creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a hearty starter, it suits any dining occasion.
- Nutritious: Packed with kale and protein from the sausage, this soup offers both comfort and nourishment.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Sausage Tortellini Soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
Seasonings & Dairy
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Liquids & Pasta
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz. refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Onion
Cook the sausage and onions together over medium-high heat until the onions soften and the sausage is browned. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease before moving on.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Season the Base
Mix in dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to ensure even seasoning throughout.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer.
Step 6: Cook Kale and Tortellini
Add chopped kale and tortellini into the soup. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through. If your tortellini requires longer cooking time, add it first before including kale during the last few minutes.
Step 7: Taste Test
Check for seasoning by tasting your soup. Start with ¼ teaspoon salt and adjust according to your preference.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle your warm Sausage Tortellini Soup into bowls. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread topped with cheese!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving Sausage Tortellini Soup is simple and can be tailored to your taste. This creamy delight pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette – Perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic bread – Adds a delicious, buttery flavor that complements the soup’s creaminess.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of this cheese adds a salty kick.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for a gooey finish.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh basil – Chopped basil adds a burst of freshness.
- Parsley – A sprinkle gives the soup a vibrant look and added flavor.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar salad – The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing pairs well.
- Mixed greens – Light and refreshing, balancing the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
To make your Sausage Tortellini Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Use quality sausage – Choosing high-quality Italian sausage will greatly improve the overall taste.
- Adjust spice levels – Tailor the cayenne and hot sauce to your preferred heat level for a personalized touch.
- Don’t skip the mustard powder – This ingredient subtly enhances other flavors, making your soup more complex.
- Fresh kale is best – Opt for fresh kale rather than frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Simmer gently – A gentle simmer allows flavors to meld without overcooking the tortellini.
- Taste before serving – Always adjust salt and seasonings at the end for optimal flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Tortellini Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to complement your soup.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up broth.
- Caesar Salad – A classic choice with crisp romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with the soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a fresh burst of flavor alongside rich soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing balance.
- Roasted Vegetables – Caramelized veggies make a healthy side that enhances the meal’s wholesome feel.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad with vibrant vegetables can add texture diversity alongside hot soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Skipping the seasonings: Not using mustard powder or hot sauce can lead to a bland soup. These ingredients enhance flavors, so always include them.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality sausage: The sausage is a key ingredient in this soup. Always choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Ignoring the garlic: Garlic adds essential taste. Make sure to sauté it just enough to bring out its sweetness without burning it.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste before serving! Adding salt during the cooking process is crucial to enhance overall flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Tortellini Soup.
How can I make my Sausage Tortellini Soup spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your spice preference for a kick!
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Yes! Spinach or Swiss chard makes great substitutes. Just add them towards the end of cooking, as they wilt quickly.
Is Sausage Tortellini Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after sitting. Perfect for preparing ahead of time.
How do I thicken my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour during cooking or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick and easy but also incredibly comforting. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, delivering warmth and flavor in just 30 minutes. This creamy dish features savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-packed kale, all simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this soup satisfies your cravings while being easy to prepare. With its delightful blend of spices and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer.
- Add chopped kale and tortellini; cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
