Sausage Tortellini Soup

This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, bringing comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. With savory sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it’s sure to impress everyone with its rich taste and smooth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of Italian sausage, herbs, and cream creates a rich flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use frozen or refrigerated tortellini and swap out kale for other greens if you prefer.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for serving family and friends; everyone loves a delicious bowl of soup!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Silicone spatula: Helps scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring all flavors are released into the soup.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping ingredients like onions and kale efficiently.

Ingredients

This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30 minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 cups chicken broth

For Added Texture

• 2 cups kale (chopped)
• 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen))

Seasoning to Taste

• Salt/ to taste

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Note: The mustard powder and hot sauce are so subtle in this soup but help enhance the other flavors. I highly recommend adding them!

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

• Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links.
• Cook and crumble the sausage along with diced onions over medium-high heat until softened and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

• Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Mix in dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Cream

• Pour in chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to clean the bottom of the pot.
• Slowly stir in heavy cream. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 5: Add Greens and Pasta

• Add chopped kale and tortellini; simmer for about 3-5 minutes until tortellini is tender. If your tortellini requires longer cooking time, add it first before incorporating kale during the last five minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Taste your soup; add salt if desired starting with ¼ teaspoon then adjust as needed.

Step 7: Serve

• Transfer generous portions into serving bowls. Enjoy this dish with some Garlic Bread with Cheese for an extra treat!

How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that warms you up on chilly days. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

With Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter pairs perfectly, adding crunch and flavor.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for a savory finish that complements the soup’s creaminess.

Accompanied by a Fresh Salad

• Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Served in Bread Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible container.

Paired with Wine

• Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, which enhances the flavors of the dish.

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How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating the perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking.

• Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor. Choose hot or mild based on your spice preference.
• Don’t Skip the Greens: Adding kale not only boosts nutrition but also adds a nice texture. You can substitute with spinach if preferred.
• Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to suit your taste. For lighter soup, reduce the cream slightly.
• Enhance Flavor Gradually: Taste as you go. Adding salt and spices in increments allows you to control the final flavor profile.
• Make it Ahead: This soup holds well in the refrigerator. Make it a day ahead for even better flavor development.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for a fresh appetizer.
3. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese and garlic make for a tasty addition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted until tender.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs add umami flavor.
6. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese provides classic contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but some common pitfalls may affect your final dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of sausage: Always choose a ground Italian sausage that fits your taste, whether hot or mild. This choice impacts the soup’s overall flavor.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper. This step is crucial to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
• Overcooking tortellini: Adding tortellini too early can lead to a mushy texture. Follow cooking times closely for the best results.
• Neglecting to clean the pot: Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot when adding broth. This process helps incorporate all those delicious browned bits into your soup.
• Forgetting about garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or cheese on top can elevate your Sausage Tortellini Soup. Don’t skip this finishing touch!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup

• You can freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

What type of tortellini is best for this soup?

Fresh or frozen tortellini works well. Choose cheese-filled or meat-filled options depending on your preference.

Can I substitute kale with another green?

Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives if you don’t have kale on hand.

Is Sausage Tortellini Soup gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to flour and tortellini. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and pasta.

How can I customize the flavors?

Feel free to add different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Adjust spices according to your taste for a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly versatile! You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home, making it perfect for any occasion. Try adding different greens or spices to customize it further—your taste buds will thank you!