Satisfy Your Cravings with a Creamy, Flavor-Packed Sausage Tortellini Soup

Photo byNeshia Champagne

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up. And when that soup is filled with the rich flavors of sausage, hearty tortellini, and fresh kale, it becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Enter the Sausage Tortellini Soup, a savory dish that combines creamy broth, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of spice. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.

The Heart of the Soup: Sausage and Tortellini

Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only easy to make but also packed with bold flavors. Italian sausage, whether you prefer hot or mild, adds a savory punch, while the cheese-filled tortellini brings a delightful richness to each spoonful. Add to that a base of chicken broth and heavy cream, and you have a creamy, comforting soup that’s ideal for cold evenings. Kale, a nutrient-dense green, balances out the richness of the broth and adds a bit of freshness to the dish. The combination of these elements makes this soup as nutritious as it is delicious.

Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

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

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the sausage. If using sausage links, remove the casings. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and diced onions together, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
4. Season the mixture with dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to infuse into the sausage.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Add the chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender. (If your tortellini requires more time, add it first and wait to add the kale in the last few minutes.)
7. Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust from there.
8. Serve the soup hot, ideally paired with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting meal.

A Bowl of Comfort

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect blend of rich, creamy broth and bold, savory flavors. The combination of tender tortellini, spicy Italian sausage, and a hint of heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes makes each spoonful a satisfying experience. With a balance of hearty textures and fresh kale to lighten it up, this soup is a go-to for anyone craving comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

As the soup simmers away, the aromas will fill your kitchen, making it impossible not to reach for a bowl. And don’t forget—this dish pairs beautifully with some warm, cheesy garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth!

Here's a delicious take on Sausage Tortellini Soup that brings together savory Italian sausage, rich broth, and tender tortellini for a comforting and satisfying meal. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight dinner.

The key ingredients include Italian sausage (you can choose between hot or mild), cheese tortellini, and fresh kale or spinach, all simmered in a creamy broth. The soup gains depth from a combination of spices such as oregano, basil, and a hint of cayenne, balanced by the richness of heavy cream. This mix of flavors is rounded off with a touch of hot sauce and mustard powder, which might seem unexpected but enhances the overall flavor beautifully.

Key Cooking Steps:

1. Start by browning the Italian sausage with onions, then add garlic for an aromatic base.
2. Add a bit of flour to thicken the soup and bring out a creamy texture when you later add the broth and cream.
3. Season the soup with basil, oregano, and cayenne, then add chicken broth. Allow it to simmer, letting all the flavors meld.
4. Finally, toss in your tortellini and kale, simmering until the tortellini is tender and the kale is wilted.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with salt and pepper.

This recipe is highly customizable; for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in spinach for the kale. You could also experiment with a variety of tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta, depending on your preference​(The Cozy Cook)​(The Mediterranean Dish)​(Well Plated by Erin).

For an extra touch, serve this soup with garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.

To explore similar variations, you can check out recipes on The Cozy Cook or The Mediterranean Dish​(The Cozy Cook)​(The Mediterranean Dish).