Authentic Sausage Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with tender tortellini and nutritious kale. Perfect for chilly evenings, this one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with warmth and flavor.

With its creamy broth and savory spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone together around the table. Enjoy this delightful soup as a satisfying main course or a cozy starter!

Sausage Tortellini Soup

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

Instructions:

Prepare the Sausage: If you bought sausage links, take off the casings. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and diced onion together until the onions are soft and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess grease and then add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.

Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.

Incorporate Seasonings: Add the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well.

Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer.

Cook the Greens and Pasta: Add the chopped kale and tortellini, simmering for 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini needs longer to cook, add it first and then incorporate the kale during the last 5 minutes.

Taste and Season: Sample the soup and adjust the salt as desired, starting with ¼ teaspoon and adding more if needed.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Notes:

Sausage Selection: Use hot or mild Italian sausage based on your spice preference. Remove casings if using links.

Onion & Garlic: Sauté until the onion is soft; add garlic last to avoid burning.

Flour Cooking: Stir flour into the meat mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste and help thicken the soup.

Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to modify the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Start with smaller amounts and adjust as needed.

Cream Addition: Gradually add heavy cream to prevent curdling, and stir well before bringing the soup to a boil.

Cooking Kale and Tortellini: Add tortellini first if it requires longer cooking time; then incorporate kale during the last few minutes to maintain its texture.

Taste Testing: Always taste the soup before serving to adjust seasoning, especially salt.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze without cream.

Garnish Suggestions: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.

What if I can’t find tortellini?

If tortellini is unavailable, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like cheese ravioli, shells, or even small macaroni.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead.

It tastes even better the next day! Just reheat gently and add a bit more broth if it thickens.

Is there a way to make this soup healthier?

You can use low-fat cream, reduce the amount of sausage, add more vegetables, and use low-sodium broth to make it healthier.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, but the texture of the cream may change when thawed.

It’s best to freeze without the cream and add it when reheating.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to your preference.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

No, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter option.

How long does this soup take to make?

The soup takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.