This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage and fresh kale with the comforting texture of tortellini. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a standout dish in any recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy this soup as a main dish or serve it alongside your favorite bread for dipping.
- Healthy Greens: Packed with kale, this soup adds nutritious value without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, everyone will love this comforting bowl of goodness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make your cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups because they allow even heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
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: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Cook and crumble the sausage along with the diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions soften and the sausage is thoroughly cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add Flour and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the flour while stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Next, add dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
Once simmering, add chopped kale and tortellini. Allow everything to simmer together for about 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini requires longer cooking time, add it first before adding kale during the last five minutes.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Taste your delicious soup! Add salt as desired—start with about ¼ teaspoon—and adjust according to your preference.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the soup into serving bowls. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with Garlic Bread with Cheese for a complete meal!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Offering a variety of serving suggestions can elevate your meal experience and cater to different tastes.
With Garlic Bread
- Garlic bread pairs perfectly with Sausage Tortellini Soup, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness that enhances the soup’s flavors.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing your soup with fresh basil or parsley introduces a burst of freshness and color.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light side salad made of mixed greens balances the richness of the soup while adding crunch and freshness.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, making it an edible dish!
With Crusty Rolls
- Crusty rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, soaking up every delicious bite.

How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
Perfecting your Sausage Tortellini Soup can make all the difference. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process and flavor.
Choose quality sausage: Using high-quality Italian sausage will significantly improve the overall taste of your soup.
Don’t skip the aromatics: Sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to your soup, creating a flavorful base.
Add cream slowly: Gradually stirring in heavy cream prevents curdling and ensures a smooth consistency.
Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste as you go! Start with less salt and seasonings, adding more as needed for balance.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh kale and tortellini provide better texture and flavor than their frozen counterparts.
Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Tortellini Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing that complements the soup.
Caprese Salad: This simple salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Garlic Knots: These buttery, garlicky knots are perfect for sopping up every last drop of your delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing out the meal’s heaviness.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and pickled vegetables creates an inviting starter before diving into the soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese or sausage complement the flavors in your soup nicely.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes for a light and tasty appetizer alongside your soup.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer another hearty option that pairs well with creamy soups like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Using frozen tortellini without adjustment: If you use frozen tortellini, they may require a longer cooking time. Always check the package instructions and adjust your simmer time accordingly.
Skipping the seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient adds flavor. If you skip tasting and adjusting seasonings like salt and pepper, your soup may lack depth. Remember, start with less and add more as needed.
Overcooking kale: Kale cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to maintain its texture.
Not draining sausage grease: Leaving the grease from the sausage can make your soup overly oily. Always drain excess grease after cooking the sausage for a lighter dish.
Ignoring the mustard powder and hot sauce: These ingredients enhance flavors subtly. Don’t skip them! They play a crucial role in balancing the soup’s taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until warm.
- Stovetop: Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sausage Tortellini Soup to help you enjoy this delicious recipe even more!
Can I use different types of sausage for Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding other ingredients.
What types of tortellini work best for this recipe?
Refrigerated or frozen tortellini works well. Choose cheese-filled or meat-filled based on your preference!
How can I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard.
Is this Sausage Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and flour substitutes, adjusting other ingredients accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting meal that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different greens or pasta shapes. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction!
Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful, hearty meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage, fresh kale, and comforting tortellini. Bursting with flavor and a creamy texture, this soup offers a satisfying warmth that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne
- 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 (refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and diced onions until the onions soften and the sausage is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add flour and seasonings; cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while scraping 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 3-5 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
- Season to taste with salt before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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