This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes! Perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal, this soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage and fresh kale with rich creaminess. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as part of a festive gathering, its comforting nature will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combinations: Packed with Italian sausage, kale, and spices, every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring it fits your pantry.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream gives this soup a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild heat and hearty components, this soup is sure to please even picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing room for all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps in scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30 minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen))
- Salt/ to taste
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onion
- If using links, remove the casings from the sausage.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions until onions are softened and sausage is cooked through, approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Base
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Stir in dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well mixed.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
- Pour in chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
- Mix in chopped kale and tortellini into the simmering soup.
- Allow everything to simmer together for about 3–5 minutes or until tortellini are cooked through (adjust timing if using longer-cooking tortellini).
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste your soup; add salt as needed starting with ¼ teaspoon.
- Serve hot in bowls! Pair with Garlic Bread with Cheese for an extra treat!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it even more delightful. The creamy texture and rich flavors of this soup pair wonderfully with various accompaniments.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh basil or parsley on top provides a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the soup.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty soup without overwhelming it.
Paired with Garlic Bread
- Enjoying Sausage Tortellini Soup alongside garlic bread makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an edible dish that’s sure to impress.
How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
To ensure your Sausage Tortellini Soup is always delicious, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Sausage – Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
- Don’t Skip the Mustard Powder – This subtle ingredient enhances other flavors; it’s worth adding despite its modest quantity.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to tweak cayenne and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for personalized heat.
- Fresh Kale is Best – Use fresh kale rather than frozen for better texture and taste in this creamy soup.
- Simmer Gently – After adding cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent separation or curdling.
- Add Salt Gradually – Start with a small amount of salt and adjust to taste. This helps avoid over-salting your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Sausage Tortellini Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Knots – These buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add brightness to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings in natural sweetness.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs complement the creamy soup perfectly.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Adding tortellini too early can lead to mushy pasta. Follow the cooking time on the package for best results.
- Not Deglazing the Pot: Failing to scrape the bottom of the pot can trap flavors. Always use a spatula to incorporate any browned bits into your soup.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor intensity. Taste and adjust salt or spices after cooking to enhance the dish.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap sausage or broth can compromise taste. Choose high-quality ingredients for a richer and more satisfying soup.
- Ignoring Cream Temperature: Adding cold cream can cool down your soup. Allow it to reach room temperature before mixing in for a smoother texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; remember to leave space for expansion.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated throughout, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Can I make Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
What type of sausage is best for Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Italian sausage, whether hot or mild, works best as it adds great flavor. You can also try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Can I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or swap out kale with spinach for different flavors.
How do I thicken my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding more flour when cooking or blending part of the soup and returning it to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy its delicious flavors!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Savor the warmth and richness of this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a delightful dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of savory Italian sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini creates a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it at a festive gathering, this soup’s creamy texture and robust flavors will impress your guests. With its quick preparation and hearty ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking both convenience and deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 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 crumbled sausage and diced onion until the onion is softened and the sausage is cooked through (8–10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour followed by basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Gradually add heavy cream and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
- Mix in chopped kale and tortellini; simmer for 3–5 minutes until tortellini are cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
