Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty comfort beckons with this delectable sausage tortellini soup that promises to chase away winter chills.

Rich Italian sausage mingles perfectly with tender cheese tortellini, creating a symphony of flavors.

Herbs and vegetables dance together in a robust broth, elevating each spoonful with depth and warmth.

Weeknight dinners find their match in this quick and satisfying one-pot marvel.

Packed with protein and bursting with savory notes, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Each bite tells a story of rustic comfort and culinary simplicity.

What Makes Sausage Tortellini Soup Comforting

• Savor Comfort: A hearty, one-pot wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious soup with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Packed with spicy sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping ingredients, or adding your favorite toppings for a personalized meal experience.

Ingredients for Hearty Tortellini Soup

• Sausage: A hearty and flavorful meat that adds rich depth to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base full of comforting flavor.

• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that makes the soup creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic cheese with sharp and salty notes.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients with bold flavor profiles.
• Kale: A nutritious green with robust and slightly bitter taste.
• Tortellini: Cheesy pasta pockets that make the soup more substantial.

• Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs with bright and earthy qualities.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy seasonings that add warmth.
• Cayenne Pepper, Hot Sauce: Ingredients that bring extra heat and kick.
• Mustard Powder: A zesty seasoning with tangy undertones.

• Flour: A subtle ingredient that helps thicken the soup's texture.
• Salt: A key seasoning that enhances all other flavors.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

Remove casings from sausage if needed.

Heat a large pot over medium-high and cook sausage with onions, breaking meat into crumbles.

Cook until sausage is completely browned and onions turn soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain any excess fat from the pot.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Toss in minced garlic and stir constantly for one minute until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and stir thoroughly.

Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce
• Mustard powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Coat the sausage mixture completely with these spices.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping bottom to release browned bits.

Slowly incorporate heavy cream.

Bring mixture to gentle boil, then reduce to simmer.

Step 5: Add Hearty Greens and Pasta

Introduce kale and tortellini into the simmering soup.

Cook 3-5 minutes until tortellini becomes tender.

Adjust cooking time if tortellini requires longer preparation.

Step 6: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste soup and add salt incrementally, starting with small amounts.

Adjust until flavor feels balanced and delicious.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top or serve with crusty bread for extra comfort.

Tips for a Filling, Flavorful Soup

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent an oily soup and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy experience.
• Choose fresh or frozen tortellini with robust fillings like cheese or meat to enhance the soup's overall richness and depth.
• Add tortellini near the end of cooking to maintain its perfect texture and prevent becoming mushy or falling apart.
• Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for variety, or add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers for increased nutritional value.

How to Keep Tortellini Soup Fresh

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency if the soup has thickened during storage.
• Heat individual portions in microwave-safe bowls for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check temperature before serving to prevent burning.

What to Serve With This Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, spicy sausage and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Create Crisp Bread Side: Toast sourdough or rustic Italian bread with garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese to provide a crunchy contrast to the soup's smooth consistency.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the soup's hearty flavors and add refreshing brightness.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy pale ale or amber beer with slight bitterness that stands up to the sausage's robust profile and cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways to Customize Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace sausage with plant-based Italian sausage or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian transformation.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream or Greek yogurt to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap cayenne for chipotle powder, and include smoked paprika. Use chorizo-style plant protein or ground turkey for a different protein profile with southwestern flair.

FAQs

• Is tortellini pasta or stuffed pasta?

Tortellini is a type of stuffed pasta originating from Italy. It’s typically ring-shaped and filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives depending on your preference.

• How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Add tortellini towards the end of cooking and simmer just until tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Overcooking can make the pasta soft and lose its texture.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Add fresh tortellini when reheating to maintain its texture.

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, hearty sausage tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian-inspired flavors with rustic warmth. Cheese-filled pasta and savory sausage create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)

Produce:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups kale, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups tortellini (about 10 ounces / 283 grams, refrigerated or frozen)
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the sausage with diced onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles until completely cooked and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the sausage mixture and sauté briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
3. Dust the meat and onion combination with flour, stirring continuously to create a uniform coating. Allow the mixture to toast for 1-2 minutes, eliminating raw flour notes. Incorporate an array of seasonings including basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly seasoned.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift caramelized bits from the bottom. Slowly integrate heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubbling state, then reduce to a soft simmer.
5. Introduce chopped kale and tortellini to the simmering liquid. Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, typically 3-5 minutes. For dried tortellini requiring longer cooking, add pasta first and incorporate kale during the final cooking moments.
6. Carefully assess the soup’s seasoning, incrementally adding salt to enhance the overall flavor complexity. Begin with a conservative quarter teaspoon and adjust according to taste preferences.
7. Serve the soup piping hot in deep bowls. Consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or accompanying with a crusty bread slice for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the soup too oily and heavy.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.
• Consider using pre-cooked tortellini to reduce overall cooking time and maintain pasta texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to personal spice preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg