When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spice. This one-pot wonder is not only incredibly delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Packed with ground Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, fresh kale, and a creamy broth infused with simple yet flavorful seasonings, this soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy days.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required—everything cooks in one pot!
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and cheese-filled tortellini make the broth irresistibly creamy.
- Customizable: You can swap out kale for spinach, adjust the spice level, or even add Parmesan rind for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores and reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- 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 pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Follow these easy steps to create a creamy and flavorful Sausage Tortellini Soup:
1. Cook the Sausage and Onions
In a large pot, cook the ground Italian sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease for a lighter soup. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, releasing its aroma.
2. Create the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if desired), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the sausage in the seasonings, creating a flavorful base.
3. Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to release any flavorful bits. Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add Kale and Tortellini
Stir in the chopped kale and tortellini. Let the soup simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and the kale is wilted. (If using frozen tortellini, allow a few extra minutes for cooking.)
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with crusty bread or Garlic Bread with Cheese for the ultimate meal.
Tips for the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Italian sausage adds incredible flavor to the soup, so opt for a high-quality brand. Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference.
- Don’t Skip the Mustard Powder and Hot Sauce: These ingredients might seem subtle, but they enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Experiment with Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, substitute with spinach. Add it toward the end of cooking to prevent over-wilting.
- Add Parmesan Rind: For extra depth of flavor, toss in the rind from a block of Parmesan or Romano cheese while the soup simmers. Remove it before serving.
- Cook Tortellini Separately for Leftovers: Tortellini absorbs broth as it sits, so if you plan on storing leftovers, cook the tortellini separately and add it to individual servings.
Crockpot Method for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prefer a hands-off approach? This soup is just as delicious when made in a slow cooker:
- Brown the sausage and onions on the stovetop, following steps 1 and 2.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, seasonings, and kale.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Temper the cream in the microwave and stir it into the soup.
- Cook the tortellini separately and add it to serving bowls before ladling the soup on top.
Storing and Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, freeze it without the tortellini to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
Why Sausage Tortellini Soup Is a Must-Try
- Family-Friendly: The creamy broth and cheese-filled tortellini appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: This soup can be customized with your favorite greens, tortellini flavors, or even added vegetables like carrots or celery.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a meal prep solution, or a dish to impress guests, this soup fits the bill.
Hearty and Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food in Just 30 Minutes
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On chilly evenings, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to bring the family together. This Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl. The creamy broth, hearty tortellini, and savory sausage make it irresistible. I remember making this for a family gathering—it was gone before I could even grab seconds! Try this simple 30-minute recipe, and make it part of your comfort food tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp 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
Instructions
1️⃣ Remove casings from sausage if needed. Cook sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until sausage is browned and onion is softened. Drain grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2️⃣ Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3️⃣ Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4️⃣ Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Slowly add heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5️⃣ Add kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes (adjust timing based on tortellini cooking instructions).
6️⃣ Taste and add salt as needed (start with ¼ tsp). Serve warm with garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping!
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Swap kale for 2-3 cups of spinach for a milder flavor.
- Add extra depth by simmering with a Parmesan rind.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (tortellini will absorb broth, so cook it separately if storing).
Final Thoughts
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Its creamy broth, flavorful sausage, and tender tortellini make it a meal you’ll want to make over and over again. With its quick preparation and simple ingredients, this soup is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and treat yourself to this cozy and delicious soup tonight. Don’t forget to pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate dining experience. Happy cooking!