Sausage Tortellini Soup

A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Dish!

There’s nothing quite like a warm, flavorful bowl of soup to soothe your soul, especially on a chilly day. Sausage Tortellini Soup is a dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage, the satisfying chew of cheese-filled tortellini, and the nutritious touch of leafy greens like kale or spinach. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress your guests with a hearty meal. Below, we’ll walk through the ultimate recipe for Sausage Tortellini Soup, along with cooking tips, ingredient substitutions, and ways to store it for later.

Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup

This Sausage Tortellini Soup brings together the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy broth combined with spicy or mild Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, and it’s quick to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss.

Here’s why this soup stands out:

• Ready in just 30 minutes: It’s perfect for those days when you need something quick and satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients like sausage types or greens to suit your tastes.
• Comforting and nutritious: It provides protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one bowl, making it a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup

One of the best things about this soup is that it uses readily available ingredients that you likely have in your pantry or can find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp oregano
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adds depth and a slight kick)
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for spice lovers)
• 5 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups kale (or substitute with spinach)
• 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini (about 10 oz)
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage if necessary and crumble it into the pot. Add the diced onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it from the pot.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This helps thicken the soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Broth
Mix in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Greens
Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Add the kale (or spinach if substituting) and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until wilted.

Step 5: Add Tortellini
Gently stir in the cheese-filled tortellini. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are soft and heated through. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on your tortellini package as some may take slightly longer.

Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, alongside a loaf of warm, crusty bread or cheesy garlic bread for dipping.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Add Parmesan for Extra Flavor: For a deeper, more savory broth, toss in a Parmesan rind during the simmering process. It melts into the soup and enhances the overall richness.
• Switch Up the Greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. Frozen spinach also works if you’re in a pinch!
• Use Fresh Tortellini: We recommend using refrigerated tortellini, such as RANA cheese-filled tortellini, for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen tortellini, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a spicy kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a little extra hot sauce. Alternatively, use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent, like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure your tortellini is gluten-free if required.

Crockpot Method for Sausage Tortellini Soup

If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make Sausage Tortellini Soup in a slow cooker. Here’s how:

1. Follow the first two steps in the main recipe (cooking the sausage and onions, then adding garlic and flour).
2. Transfer the sausage mixture to your slow cooker and add the chicken broth, basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, and black pepper.
3. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the kale and tortellini. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Sausage Tortellini Soup

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the tortellini will absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.

Freezing: Sausage Tortellini Soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the tortellini. The pasta tends to become mushy after freezing and reheating. Prepare the soup base, freeze it, and then cook fresh tortellini when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until hot. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of robust flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for freezing or meal prepping. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or simply craving a hearty dinner, this soup will not disappoint. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to impress.