Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Tucking into a hearty sausage tortellini soup brings comfort on chilly evenings when warmth matters most.

Savory aromas fill your kitchen with delightful anticipation of a satisfying meal.

Rich Italian flavors blend seamlessly through tender pasta and robust meat.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that takes minimal effort.

Ingredients mingle creating layers of depth and complexity beyond typical soup recipes.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this quick and nourishing option.

Grab a ladle and let’s make magic happen!

Flavorful Variations on Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, adding mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for protein and texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cayenne with chipotle powder, incorporate black beans, and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, include fresh spinach instead of kale, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, and enhance with Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Pairing Ideas for Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Pair Perfectly with Crusty Artisan Bread: Slice thick, rustic sourdough or Italian bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and catch all those delicious sausage and tortellini bits.
  • Complement with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the soup's creaminess and matches the spicy sausage notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Balance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed arugula, fresh parsley, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to contrast the soup's hearty and robust character.
  • Enhance with Sharp Pecorino Cheese: Sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano over the soup for an extra layer of salty, tangy complexity that elevates the dish's savory elements.

Proper Storage for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as it can become mushy when thawed.

Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with any ground sausage like chorizo or turkey sausage. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and provides good flavor.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne and red pepper flakes, which add mild heat. You can reduce or omit these spices for a milder version or increase them for more kick.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Bursting With Flavor

  • Conquer Complex Flavors: Discover a soup that blends sausage, tortellini, and kale with a symphony of spices like cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes for an exciting taste adventure.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking techniques.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the heat level by tweaking spices, swap kale for spinach, or add extra protein to make this soup perfectly suited to your family's preferences.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Create a gourmet-style soup that looks and tastes sophisticated while being surprisingly simple to prepare, making you look like a culinary pro without hours of kitchen work.

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup

For the Protein:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and warm flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Kale: Adds nutritional value and a hearty green element to the soup.
For the Soup Base and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the broth.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
  • Basil, Oregano: Herbs that contribute classic Italian-inspired flavor.
  • Cayenne, Hot Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that bring heat and complexity.
  • Mustard Powder: Provides a subtle tangy undertone.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild spiciness and depth.
For the Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.
For the Final Seasoning:
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the soup.

How to Prepare Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Prepare Sausage and Onions

Unwrap sausage links and crumble the meat into a large pot. Add diced onions and cook over medium-high heat.

Sauté until onions become soft and sausage turns golden brown, stirring occasionally. This process takes about 8-10 minutes.

Drain any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and cook for one minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant oils and enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Dust flour over the meat and onion mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth foundation for the soup.

Step 4: Blend Spices

Incorporate these spices into the pot:
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Cayenne
  • Hot sauce
  • Mustard powder
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.

Step 5: Build the Liquid Base

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

Slowly stir in heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Greens and Pasta

Toss tortellini and kale into the simmering soup.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until tortellini is tender. If tortellini requires longer cooking, add it first and include kale during the last 5 minutes.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Taste the soup and adjust salt level. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until the flavors pop.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Complement with cheesy garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips for Rich and Hearty Tortellini Soup

  • Remove excess grease by using a paper towel or colander to prevent a greasy soup texture.
  • Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance; start with less and gradually increase for personalized flavor.
  • Different tortellini brands cook differently, so check package instructions and add accordingly to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
  • Add heavy cream slowly and avoid boiling after adding to prevent separation and maintain smooth soup consistency.
  • Chop kale into bite-sized pieces and add at the end to preserve nutrients and prevent wilting into mushy texture.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian flavors with rich, warming ingredients. Savory sausage and tender cheese tortellini mingle in a robust broth, promising a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
  • 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (280 grams) tortellini
  • 2 cups (134 grams) kale, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Spices and Optional Heat:

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 pinch cayenne
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Extract sausage from casings and crumble into a large pot, combining with diced onions. Sauté over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until sausage is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Sprinkle flour into the pot, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a thickening base.
  4. Incorporate herbs and spices including basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits. Slowly blend in heavy cream and bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Introduce tortellini and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes. If tortellini requires longer cooking time, add it first, then incorporate kale during the final 5 minutes of simmering.
  7. Adjust seasoning by adding salt incrementally, starting with a small amount and tasting until desired flavor is achieved.
  8. Ladle soup into serving bowls and accompany with crusty garlic cheese bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
  • Swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
  • Select fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for better texture and flavor compared to frozen varieties.
  • Prepare kale ahead by removing tough stems and chopping into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easier eating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 383 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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