Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this hearty soup features ground Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant kale, all enveloped in a rich and velvety broth. It’s a dish that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sausage, cream, and spices creates a deliciously robust flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup with different veggies or types of tortellini.
- Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly nights, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful meal, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large quantities and ensuring even heat distribution for simmering soups.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot and helps prevent sticking.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for quick chopping of vegetables, saving time during prep.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Meat
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
Pantry Items
- 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
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
Broth
- 5 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen))
Seasoning
- Salt/ to taste
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth process.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Cook and crumble the sausage and 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 the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth
Pour in the chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Step 6: Add Kale and Tortellini
Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through. If your tortellini requires longer cooking time, add them first then add kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Taste your soup and add salt if desired. Start with about ¼ tsp and adjust according to your preference.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the soup to serving bowls. Enjoy it with some garlic bread with cheese for an extra treat!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your meal experience. This creamy dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and provide a satisfying dining experience.
With Garlic Bread
- Crunchy garlic bread makes a perfect side for dipping into the soup’s creamy goodness.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and extra richness to each bowl.
Side Salad
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Baguette
- Serve slices of crusty baguette for a heartier meal; it’s great for soaking up every last drop of the soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley boosts freshness and visual appeal.
How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
To make this Sausage Tortellini Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Sausage: Choosing high-quality Italian sausage can significantly impact the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: You can control the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream according to your preference.
- Add Veggies: Consider incorporating additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste; adding more pepper or red pepper flakes can spice things up!
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Ensure you follow package instructions for tortellini cooking times to avoid mushiness.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Tortellini Soup enhances your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its rich flavors.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons provides a crunchy contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds brightness and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add both color and nutrients to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats complements the Italian flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch that pairs nicely with the creamy soup.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served with pita chips offers another layer of richness to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sausage Tortellini Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough spices can lead to bland soup. Make sure to measure and taste as you go.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can turn it mushy. Follow package instructions for perfect texture.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Dried or expired ingredients can affect flavor. Choose fresh herbs and vegetables for the best results.
- Ignoring the cream: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir it in after the broth is heated for a smooth finish.
- Neglecting to taste: Failing to taste your soup can lead to imbalanced flavors. Always adjust seasonings before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Can I make Sausage Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
What type of sausage works best for Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Italian sausage, whether hot or mild, is ideal for adding rich flavor.
Can I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on your preference.
Is Sausage Tortellini Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep due to its easy storage and reheating options.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various veggies or spices to suit your taste. Try this comforting dish today; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Savor the richness of Sausage Tortellini Soup, a delightful dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe allows you to whip up a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Each bowl offers a warm hug on chilly nights, promising satisfaction for both kids and adults alike. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile, making it easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Get ready to indulge in a delicious bowl of this creamy goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 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
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground sausage and diced onions until the onions soften and the sausage is browned (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease and add minced garlic; cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot; stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
- Add chopped kale and tortellini; simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
