When the weather gets chilly and the leaves turn crisp, it’s time to cozy up with a bowl of soup. One of my go-to recipes for those brisk days is creamy sausage tortellini soup. This dish brings all the warm vibes you need when the temperature dips. It’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. I want to share how to create this delightful soup that will keep you coming back for more.
What is Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
To put it simply, creamy sausage tortellini soup is a delightful blend of Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth. Each spoonful offers a cozy, soul-soothing experience. It’s an enchanting mix of textures and tastes that makes this soup a crowd-pleaser. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, where my cousin served it up on a cold autumn evening. The moment I took the first bite, I knew I had to recreate it.
This soup is not just fulfilling; it’s also incredibly easy to make. With a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that could easily find its place on a restaurant menu. Not bad for a home-cooked meal, right?
You’ll Also Like These Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Let me tell you why this soup has a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. Firstly, the flavor here is unmatched. The combination of savory sausage with creamy broth and tender tortellini creates a magical experience. Secondly, it’s a one-pot wonder. It means less fuss and fewer dishes to wash, which is always a plus in my book.
I also appreciate how easily customizable this recipe is. Don’t like kale? Swap it out for spinach. Want to add more veggies? Go ahead! It’s all about making this dish fit your family’s tastebuds. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy it later on a busy weeknight. It’s a lifesaver.
The Ingredients
The beauty of this creamy sausage tortellini soup lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound Italian sausage, ground (choose hot or mild depending on your preference)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups fresh kale, chopped (you can substitute with spinach if you prefer)
2 cups refrigerated or frozen tortellini (about 10 oz works perfectly)
1 cup heavy cream (this is where the creaminess comes from)
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, if you’re in the mood for a little heat)
1 teaspoon your favorite hot sauce
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (for an extra kick, if you like)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (this brightens the soup)
Salt, to taste
It looks like a lot, but you’ll be amazed at how these ingredients come together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely and release its flavors—this will be the base of your soup. This ought to take about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a nice golden-brown color.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them together, letting the onions become soft and transparent—about 3 to 4 minutes will do it. Make sure to stir this mix, infusing the flavors of sausage into the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Add Flour for Thickness
Stir the flour into the sausage mixture. This will create a roux, giving your soup a lovely thickness. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until the flour is fully combined with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
Next, gradually pour in the chicken broth. As you add it, use your wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This will incorporate all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Once it’s well mixed, bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Toss in the Kale and Seasonings
Once it’s simmering, throw the chopped kale in. Along with that, add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the kale has softened.
Step 6: Stir in the Tortellini
Now it’s time for the star of the show—tortellini! Add them to the pot and let them cook according to the package instructions. It typically takes about 3-5 minutes. The tortellini will puff up and absorb some of that delicious broth.
Step 7: Mix in the Dairy
After the tortellini is just about cooked, stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. This adds that luscious creaminess to your soup. Allow it to heat through without bringing it to a boil.
Step 8: Final Touches
Lastly, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt and perhaps more pepper could elevate the flavors even more. Once satisfied, it’s time to serve up this beautiful dish!
Tips & Tricks
Sausage Selection: Use fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. The spices in it can elevate the dish significantly.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add diced carrots or celery if you want even more veggies. They’ll add sweetness and crunch.
Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brightness that’s truly delightful. Use fresh basil if you have it!
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add more cayenne or some crushed red pepper on top once served.
Leftover Makeover: This soup is great for leftovers, but if it thickens too much, add a splash of broth before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional content of this delightful soup (per serving, estimated):
Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
This gives you a hearty meal suitable for a comforting dinner without derailing your health goals.
Can I Store Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes! Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember that the tortellini might soak up some broth as it sits. Fear not! A splash of chicken broth or cream will revive it nicely.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Pairing is key to a great meal. I generally enjoy this soup with:
Crusty Bread: A slice of buttered French baguette is perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness.
Simple Salad: A light green salad can balance the richness of the soup. A splash of vinaigrette works wonders.
Cheesy Garlic Toast: If you’re feeling indulgent, cheesy garlic toast is a real crowd-pleaser alongside this hearty soup.
Variations
If you want to get inventive, consider these tasty variations:
Substitute Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be an excellent alternative to sausage. It’s leaner while still being delicious.
Non-Dairy Option: Switch out heavy cream for coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy cream. This maintains the creaminess while being dairy-free.
Herb Swaps: Try adding fresh spinach or arugula for extra nutrition and a different flavor profile.
Using a Different Pasta: If tortellini isn’t your jam, use cavatappi or mini shells for a delightful twist.
Add Beans for Protein: Toss in a can of cannellini beans or chickpeas for additional protein and fiber.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Pot, Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground (choose hot or mild depending on your preference)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cups fresh kale chopped (you can substitute with spinach if you prefer)
- 2 cups refrigerated or frozen tortellini about 10 oz works perfectly
- 1 cup heavy cream this is where the creaminess comes from
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, if you’re in the mood for a little heat
- 1 teaspoon your favorite hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if you like
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice this brightens the soup
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely and release its flavors—this will be the base of your soup. This ought to take about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a nice golden-brown color.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Once your sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them together, letting the onions become soft and transparent—about 3 to 4 minutes will do it. Make sure to stir this mix, infusing the flavors of sausage into the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Add Flour for Thickness
- Stir the flour into the sausage mixture. This will create a roux, giving your soup a lovely thickness. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until the flour is fully combined with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
- Next, gradually pour in the chicken broth. As you add it, use your wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This will incorporate all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Once it’s well mixed, bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Toss in the Kale and Seasonings
- Once it’s simmering, throw the chopped kale in. Along with that, add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the kale has softened.
Step 6: Stir in the Tortellini
- Now it’s time for the star of the show—tortellini! Add them to the pot and let them cook according to the package instructions. It typically takes about 3-5 minutes. The tortellini will puff up and absorb some of that delicious broth.
Step 7: Mix in the Dairy
- After the tortellini is just about cooked, stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. This adds that luscious creaminess to your soup. Allow it to heat through without bringing it to a boil.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Lastly, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt and perhaps more pepper could elevate the flavors even more. Once satisfied, it’s time to serve up this beautiful dish!
Notes
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add diced carrots or celery if you want even more veggies. They’ll add sweetness and crunch.
Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brightness that’s truly delightful. Use fresh basil if you have it!
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add more cayenne or some crushed red pepper on top once served.
Leftover Makeover: This soup is great for leftovers, but if it thickens too much, add a splash of broth before reheating.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well, and you don’t need to thaw it before adding it to the soup. Just cook it according to the package instructions.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No chicken broth? No problem! You can substitute vegetable broth or even water. Just know that the flavor may be slightly altered.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You sure can! Simply replace the sausage with a plant-based version and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies or beans to keep it hearty.
4. How long does this soup take to prepare?
Expect about 30-40 minutes from prep to table. You can even chop veggies in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
5. Does this soup freeze well?
Yes, this soup can be frozen! Just keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly once thawed. For best results, I suggest freezing the soup without the tortellini.
Conclusion
Creamy sausage tortellini soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The depth of flavor from the sausage blends perfectly with the creamy broth and tender tortellini. This soup can easily become your go-to recipe for chilly nights or for impressing guests.
Once you try this recipe, I have a hunch you’ll be making it again and again. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s enjoy a bowl of warmth and happiness together! Trust me, this creamy delight will charm your taste buds while keeping your kitchen cozy. Bon appétit!
