Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food that doesn’t ask much of your time but delivers so much flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a steaming bowl filled with savory Italian sausage, plump cheese tortellini, and hearty greens—all swimming in a creamy, herby broth. If you’re short on time but still crave a hearty, home-cooked meal, this soup checks every box. It’s fuss-free, deeply satisfying, and absolutely perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and delicious on the table fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up the following, and you’re halfway there:

• Ground Italian Sausage: Brings robust, savory flavor—choose hot or mild depending on your spice tolerance.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the sausage.
• Garlic: For that unmistakable aromatic backbone—fresh is best for this soup.
• Flour: Thickens the broth ever-so-slightly for a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Dried Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring out the soup’s warmth and complexity.
• Cayenne & Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but these add a little kick—highly recommended if you want some heat.
• Hot Sauce: Don’t skip it! It’s subtle but ties everything together. Trust.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a barely-there tang that lifts all the flavors (a secret weapon).
• Black Pepper: For balance and mild spice.
• Heavy Cream: For a silky, decadent finish to the broth that’s not too heavy.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, keeping things light yet flavorful—use low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
• Kale (or Spinach): Gives a lovely heartiness, vibrant color, and packs in those greens.
• Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pillows soak up all that herby, meaty goodness—refrigerated or frozen works.
• Salt: Essential for finishing and brightening the soup. Adjust to your preference.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this soup!

• Swap the Greens: No kale on hand? Spinach works beautifully, wilting perfectly in just seconds.
• Try a Different Protein: You can use chicken or even plant-based sausage if you want to switch things up.
• Change Up the Tortellini: Cheese-filled is classic, but meat or spinach tortellini would be just as tasty.
• Boost the Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for even more color and crunch.
• Add Cheese: A handful of grated Parmesan stirred in at the end is never a bad idea.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

If you’re starting with sausage links, remove the casings. Crumble the sausage and add it to a large soup pot with the diced onion. Sauté over medium-high heat until the sausage is cooked and onions are soft—about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Toss in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown—golden is perfect.

Step 3: Add Flour and Spices

Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to banish any raw flour flavor. This is your base for that rich, creamy texture. Add in your dried basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Cream

Add the chicken broth while using your spoon or a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—flavor gold! Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream.

Step 5: Simmer with Tortellini and Greens

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the chopped kale and tortellini. If your tortellini cooks quickly, toss in the kale at the same time. If it needs a little longer, put in the tortellini first, and add the kale in the last 5 minutes. Simmer everything for 3-5 minutes (or until the pasta is plump and your greens are just wilted).

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt if necessary—start small; the broth and sausage are already salty. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

How to Serve

This soup shines all on its own, but you can absolutely dress up your dinner table:

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
• A generous grating of Parmesan cheese is never wrong—go for it!

Side Pairings:

• Crusty garlic bread (especially with cheese) is the perfect companion for dunking.
• Try pairing with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
• Serve with warm, buttery rolls to soak up every last drop of broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pour cooled soup into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the tortellini will continue to absorb the broth—a delicious, softer texture, but if you like it firmer, boil it separately.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for 3 months or more. For best results, leave out the tortellini and greens until you’re ready to reheat—add them fresh for optimal texture.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or pop in the microwave until steaming. If it’s thickened, stir in a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal that’s simple to pull off even on your busiest days, you cannot go wrong with this Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly flexible—exactly the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Try it once, and it just might earn a regular spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

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