Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl — creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, chopped kale, and a touch of spice, it’s a full meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder brings warmth to every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love Sausage Tortellini Soup

• One-pot recipe and ready in under 30 minutes
• Creamy, savory broth packed with rich flavor
• Loaded with protein and veggies—hearty and satisfying
• Perfect balance of spice with hot sauce, mustard powder, and cayenne
• Works with fresh or frozen tortellini, and easy to customize

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 black 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

Directions

Brown the Sausage and Onion
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion together for 8–10 minutes. Break up the sausage as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully browned and the onions are softened, drain any excess grease.

Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the sausage and onions. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Season the Soup
Add in the basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine everything thoroughly with the flour-coated mixture.

Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a spatula.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Add Kale and Tortellini
Stir in the chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the kale is wilted.
Note: If your tortellini requires a longer cook time, add it before the kale and cook accordingly.

Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and add salt as needed (start with ¼ teaspoon).
Ladle into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or crusty rolls.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Cheese rind hack: Toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra depth. Discard before serving.
• Swap kale for spinach: Use 2–3 cups of spinach instead; add it just before serving and let it wilt.
• Make it milder: Skip the cayenne and reduce hot sauce for a kid-friendly version.
• Creamy twist: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the cream for even more richness.
• Tortellini note: Fresh (refrigerated) or frozen both work—adjust simmer time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread with cheese or classic breadsticks
• A side of Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Crusty Italian rolls to dip into the creamy broth
• Top with extra shredded Parmesan or fresh basil

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in individual portions or a large airtight container for up to 3 months.
Note: Tortellini absorbs broth during storage, so boil separately and add fresh when reheating for best texture.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen consistency if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time during the simmer stage.

What’s a good substitute for kale?
A: Baby spinach is a great option. Stir it in just before serving so it wilts gently.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown sausage/onion/flour first on the stovetop, then transfer to the crockpot with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add kale, cream, and tortellini 15–30 minutes before serving.

Is this soup spicy?
A: It has a mild kick. You can control the heat by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce levels.

Conclusion

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delicious, soul-warming meal that checks all the boxes—creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or cozy lunch, this one-pot wonder is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it with garlic bread and enjoy a comforting bowl of bliss!

Print