Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: A Flavorful 30-Minute Comfort Meal
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This creamy soup combines Italian sausage, tortellini, kale, and rich seasonings to create a hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
The balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it a perfect all-in-one dish for any weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s ideal for busy schedules and offers a burst of flavors that’s hard to resist.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making sausage tortellini soup, including pro tips for enhancing its taste, potential ingredient substitutions, and how to store it for later.
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you along the way.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage Tortellini Soup
To create this comforting soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully:
- 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 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen, cheese-filled works best)
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
Why Sausage Tortellini Soup is the Perfect 30-Minute Meal
What sets this sausage tortellini soup apart is its balance of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth that’s packed with flavor.
Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread or cheese biscuits, this soup is a meal in itself.
The addition of ingredients like mustard powder and hot sauce might seem surprising, but they elevate the flavors, creating a subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious sausage tortellini soup:
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Once the sausage is browned, add in the diced onions and cook until they’re soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Create the Base
Add flour to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Then, add dried basil, oregano, hot sauce, mustard powder, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine. - Add Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the browned bits. Once the broth is added, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes. - Incorporate the Kale and Tortellini
Add the kale and tortellini to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and the kale is wilted. Taste the soup and add salt if needed. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the soup to bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This soup is best served with garlic bread or cheese biscuits for dipping!
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Tortellini Soup
To take your sausage tortellini soup to the next level, try these pro tips:
- Add a Parmesan Rind
For even more depth of flavor, toss a rind from a block of Parmesan or Romano cheese into the soup when you add the broth. Let it simmer in the soup, and then discard it before serving. This will enhance the savory richness of the soup, and you’ll likely need less salt as a result.
- Swap Kale for Spinach
If you don’t have kale on hand, you can easily substitute it with spinach. Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it toward the end of cooking after the tortellini is done. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Use Quality Tortellini
The type of tortellini you use can make a difference. For this recipe, we recommend using RANA refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini for the best flavor and texture.
Storing and Freezing Your Sausage Tortellini Soup
If you’re making a big batch of sausage tortellini soup and have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- In the Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tortellini may continue to absorb the broth over time, so you may need to add a bit more broth when reheating.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. If you plan to freeze it, we recommend cooking the tortellini separately and adding it when you’re ready to serve. This helps prevent the tortellini from becoming too soft during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of kale in this soup?
You can substitute spinach for kale. Fresh spinach works best when added toward the end of cooking, while frozen spinach should be thawed and patted dry before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make sausage tortellini soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything except the cream and tortellini to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the cream and tortellini toward the end of cooking.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
For this recipe, Italian sausage works best, and you can choose either mild or hot depending on your heat preference. Ground sausage is the easiest to work with, but you can also remove the casings from sausage links.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, both refrigerated and frozen tortellini work well in this soup. If using frozen tortellini, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make this soup healthier, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Reference Links
- Health Benefits of Kale
- Tortellini Nutrition Facts
- How to Store Leftover Soup
- How to Substitute Spinach for Kale