Sausage Tortellini Soup

This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends for dinner, this quick 30-minute recipe brings together the rich flavors of chicken sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini in a luscious broth. It’s easy to make and even easier to love, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and creamy broth creates a warm and comforting experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with kale and protein-rich chicken sausage, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Versatile: Perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup suits various occasions from casual family dinners to entertaining guests.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pot, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sausage Tortellini Soup, having the right kitchen tools can streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, enhancing the overall texture of your soup.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping the bottom of the pot without damaging non-stick surfaces while mixing ingredients thoroughly.

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 chicken Chicken Chicken Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 Tablespoons flour

For the Seasoning

• 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 Broth

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 cups chicken broth

For the Vegetables

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

Final Touches

• Salt to taste

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Cook the 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 any excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Add Flour and Seasonings

Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then add dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate 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 before reducing heat to let it simmer.

Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini

Add chopped kale and tortellini into the soup. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, add it first before introducing kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Taste your soup and add salt as needed—start with about ¼ teaspoon. Adjust according to personal preference.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer servings into bowls and enjoy! This delightful soup pairs excellently with Garlic Bread with Cheese!

How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup

Serving your Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful pleasure. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, garlic bread adds a savory touch to the creamy soup.
• Breadsticks: Light and fluffy, these are great for sopping up every last drop of the soup.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances the flavor and adds a nice texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil can brighten up the dish and add freshness.

Serve in Creative Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread rolls for an edible dish!
• Ceramic Bowls: Use colorful ceramic bowls to make the presentation more appealing.

How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup

To ensure your Sausage Tortellini Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Adding extra herbs and seasonings will enhance flavors significantly.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh kale and high-quality tortellini for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream; alternatively, you can add more for richness.
• Cook tortellini separately: For better texture, cook tortellini in separate water and add them to the soup just before serving.
• Taste before serving: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust salt and seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Sausage Tortellini Soup can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing makes for a refreshing contrast.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzle with balsamic glaze provide lightness and flavor.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the soup.
4. Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and spices offer a hearty option alongside your soup.
6. Pasta Primavera: A medley of sautéed vegetables tossed with pasta complements the tortellini’s flavors while keeping it light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions carefully and add them at the right time.
• Ignoring the sauté process: Rushing through the sautéing of onions and sausage can result in underdeveloped flavors. Take your time to cook until they are golden and fragrant.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
• Not adding kale at the right moment: Adding kale too early can cause it to become overly wilted. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking for optimal texture and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave space for expansion.

Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Sausage Tortellini Soup creamy?

The addition of heavy cream gives this soup its rich and creamy texture, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does it take to make Sausage Tortellini Soup?

This recipe is quick! You can have it ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this soup; just add them according to package instructions while simmering.

Conclusion

This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any meal. With options to customize ingredients, you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!