Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, bringing together the rich flavors of sausage, fresh kale, and tortellini in a comforting broth. With its creamy texture and savory seasonings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sausage, spices, and cream creates a deeply satisfying taste experience.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use hot or mild sausage and adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Option: Loaded with kale and protein from the sausage, this soup offers nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly weather, this soup warms you up from the inside out.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand can make all the difference when preparing your Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of all ingredients while preventing spills.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: These tools help stir without scratching your cookware, ensuring that everything mixes well.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30 minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Main 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
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures you have everything you need on hand as you cook.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions
- If using links, remove the casings from the sausage.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled sausage with diced onions until the onions soften and the sausage is cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Add dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Step 4: Create the Base
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a spatula.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 5: Incorporate Kale and Tortellini
- Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through. If needed, add tortellini first; then add kale in the last five minutes.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
- Taste your soup before serving; add salt starting with ¼ teaspoon if desired.
- Once adjusted to taste, transfer soup to serving bowls.
- Enjoy your delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup! Pair it with Garlic Bread with Cheese for an extra treat!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a quick meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: A few whole basil leaves can enhance the Italian flavor profile.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette makes a perfect vessel for scooping up the soup.
Add Extra Toppings
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide texture and complement the creamy broth.
Pair with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
Perfecting Sausage Tortellini Soup can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to suit your palate.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor.
- Control Creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a bright contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms are great finger food that pairs well with soup.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety.
- Cheesy Flatbread: A warm flatbread topped with cheese complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using Too Much Flour: Adding excess flour can make your soup too thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the Seasonings: Neglecting spices like basil and oregano can lead to bland soup. Always measure them carefully to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking Tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can result in mushy pasta. Follow package instructions and add them at the right time during cooking.
- Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving may mean missing out on necessary seasoning adjustments. Always check for salt and spice levels!
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or spoiled kale can spoil the dish’s flavor and nutrition. Ensure your veggies are fresh for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup will maintain quality for about 2-3 months.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway for even heating. Start with 1-2 minutes on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sausage Tortellini Soup that might help you:
Can I use frozen tortellini in Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add it directly to the soup as instructed.
How can I make this Sausage Tortellini Soup healthier?
Consider using turkey sausage or adding more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
What type of broth is best for Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Chicken broth is typically used, but vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter option.
Can I customize the greens in this soup?
Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives if you prefer something different from kale.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. You can easily customize it with additional vegetables or different types of protein. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that warms both body and soul!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Savor the comforting flavors of this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a delightful dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup combines the richness of Italian sausage with fresh kale and tender tortellini, all enveloped in a velvety broth. Each spoonful promises a satisfying blend of spices and creaminess that will make it a family favorite. Ideal for chilly evenings, serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and onions until soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add basil, oregano, and gradually pour in chicken broth followed by heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Stir in kale and tortellini; cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
