Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick family meals, this soup features savory sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it a standout dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, and creamy broth creates a comforting flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your personal taste.
- Hearty and Filling: With protein from the sausage and carbs from the tortellini, this soup is satisfying enough to serve as a main dish.
- Great Leftovers: This Sausage Tortellini Soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups; provides even heat distribution.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pots.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Main 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
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook Sausage and Onions
Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Cook and crumble the sausage along with diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add Flour and Spices
Add flour to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Then stir in dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Cream
Pour in chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot. Gradually stir in heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through. If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, add it first before adding kale during the last 5 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and add salt as needed; start with about ¼ teaspoon. Once seasoned to your liking, transfer to serving bowls. Enjoy your delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup with some Garlic Bread with Cheese!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your meal experience. This creamy delight is not only comforting but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious soup.
With Garlic Bread
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup. Toast slices of baguette with garlic butter for a crunchy contrast.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grating fresh Parmesan on top enhances the flavor and adds a savory touch to each bowl.
Include Crusty Rolls
- Crusty Dinner Rolls: Soft and warm rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup, making every bite even more satisfying.
Serve with Wine
- White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully and makes for an elegant pairing.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adding freshly chopped herbs on top provides a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and taste.
How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
Perfecting your Sausage Tortellini Soup is a simple task with a few key adjustments. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opting for fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage can greatly improve the overall flavor profile of your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust spices like pepper or cayenne based on your heat preference to find your ideal balance.
- Experiment with Greens: While kale is excellent, try using spinach or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
- Control Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more tortellini; for thinner, just add more broth.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together overnight.
- Freeze for Later: Portion out leftovers in airtight containers to enjoy this comforting soup at another time without losing its quality.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Tortellini Soup can make your meal complete. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty dish nicely.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables provide delightful bites before the soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese make for a rich companion to dip into the creamy soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with seasoned tomatoes, basil, and garlic gives a vibrant addition that balances well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized bring depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be made ahead of time and provide a hearty option alongside the lighter soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed in Italian dressing offers coolness against the warmth of the soup.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying the rich flavors of Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasonings: Many home cooks forget to add key seasonings like mustard powder or hot sauce. These ingredients enhance the flavors, so always include them for a richer taste.
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing low-quality sausage can lead to bland soup. Opt for a good quality ground Italian sausage, whether hot or mild, for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and keep an eye on them as they cook in the soup.
- Not tasting before serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving may result in unseasoned broth. Always taste and adjust salt and seasoning to your liking.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted kale or expired cream can ruin your soup’s texture and taste. Always check your ingredients for freshness before cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container since the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until warm.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Tortellini Soup.
What makes this Sausage Tortellini Soup creamy?
The addition of heavy cream creates a luscious texture that balances perfectly with the savory sausage and vegetables.
Can I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or carrots, or even swap out tortellini for other pasta types according to your preference.
How do I store leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is this Sausage Tortellini Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and is easy to portion into individual servings.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices! Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Savor the warmth of this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a perfect dish for cozy nights and quick family dinners. With its delightful combination of savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale simmered in a rich, creamy broth, this soup is not just a meal but an experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy recipe that allows you to spend more time enjoying with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this comforting soup will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale
- 2 cups tortellini
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until onions are softened. Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add basil, oregano, cayenne (if desired), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot. Gradually stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil before reducing heat.
- Add kale and tortellini to the pot; simmer until the tortellini is cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).
- Adjust seasoning with salt as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
