Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sausage tortellini soup is a total crowd-pleaser, thanks to the combination of spicy sausage, creamy broth, and chewy tortellini. The addition of kale adds a burst of color and a slight earthiness to balance the richness of the soup. With the perfect mix of herbs and spices, including basil, oregano, and a touch of cayenne for heat, this dish offers both comfort and warmth in one bowl. Plus, it’s simple to make, and you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking.

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 black 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the sausage: In a large pot, heat the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Create the roux: Add the flour to the pot, stirring it into the onions and garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, creating a roux for the soup.
Add the spices: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
Add the liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the sausage and kale: Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the chopped kale. Stir to incorporate, and let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the soup and cook according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes for refrigerated or frozen tortellini). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Once the tortellini is cooked and the soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage and add more vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, to create a hearty, vegetarian soup.
Spicy version: Increase the amount of cayenne, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to make the soup spicier. You can also use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Add cheese: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving, or sprinkle it on top for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to thin it out. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this soup. Just add it directly to the soup and cook according to the package instructions.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits. Just let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with other types of sausage, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage, for a lighter version.

How can I make this soup lighter?

To make a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or skip the cream altogether and use more broth for a broth-based soup. You can also reduce the amount of sausage or use a leaner type of sausage.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions for a few minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

Conclusion

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a deliciously comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in. With its rich broth, creamy texture, and hearty combination of sausage, tortellini, and kale, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a bowl by yourself, this recipe is an easy and flavorful choice for any occasion.