This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup is a cozy bowl of comfort! Packed with tasty sausage, soft tortellini, and fresh veggies, it’s like a warm hug on a cold day.
I love making this soup because it’s so easy and quick! Just toss everything in, let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken sausage is a great substitute that still delivers flavor without extra fat.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the soup. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or homemade broth if you have it! Using low-sodium options lets you control the salt better.
Kale: Fresh kale is great for nutrition and texture, but you could use spinach or Swiss chard instead. Both will wilt nicely and still add a tasty twist to the soup.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This maintains creaminess without being too heavy.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for adding flavor to your soup. Start with medium heat, allowing it to brown nicely. Don’t rush this step, as the caramelization will enhance the taste and richness of the soup.
- Break the sausage into small pieces while cooking for even browning.
- Once browned, remove it from the pot to keep it from getting overcooked.
- Use the leftover fat to cook the veggies for extra flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Tortellini?
The tortellini is the heart of this soup! For the best texture, add it towards the end of cooking after the cream and kale have been included. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Ensure you bring the soup back to a gentle simmer before adding tortellini.
- Cooking for 5-7 minutes is usually perfect; check packaging instructions for timing.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure every piece is evenly cooked.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with your spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, keeping the delicious fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these until they’re softened, which will take around 5 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells fabulous!
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and add your can of diced tomatoes (including all the juices). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine the Sausage:
Now, it’s time to return the browned sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to really let those flavors meld together.
5. Stir in the Cream, Tortellini, and Kale:
After simmering, add in the heavy cream. Next, toss in the tortellini and chopped kale. Let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and the kale is beautifully wilted.
6. Season to Taste:
Finish off with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preferred taste.
7. Serve it Up:
Carefully ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and serve with crusty bread on the side for a cozy meal!
Enjoy your warm and comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup! Perfect for sharing with friends and family. 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use any ground sausage you prefer, such as turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary depending on the type of sausage chosen.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! This soup is quite versatile. Feel free to add more veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time a bit to ensure everything is tender.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. You could also serve it over cooked rice or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra heat if you like!