Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups fresh kale (or spinach), chopped
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Red chili flakes & fresh thyme for garnish
Directions
Sauté the sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook the veggies: In the same pot, sauté onion and carrots until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Simmer the base: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add kale and tortellini: Stir in the kale and tortellini. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini is tender.
Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and return the sausage to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or additional chili flakes. Enjoy hot!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
#CreamySausageTortelliniSoup #ComfortFood #OnePotMeals #WinterSoup #EasyDinnerRecipes
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by gathering all ingredients. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of Italian sausage, casing removed, and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it into bite-sized crumbles until browned. Transfer to a plate. To the same pot, add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
Increase heat to medium to return to a gentle boil. Add the chopped kale and the entire package of cheese tortellini. Simmer for the time indicated on the tortellini package, usually 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Warm through for 2-3 minutes—do not boil. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This rich soup is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a restaurant-style touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve immediately in deep bowls to keep it hot.
How-to Summary
Brown sausage and set aside. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic in the same pot. Add broth, tomatoes, and seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes. Add kale and tortellini; simmer until pasta is tender. Reduce heat, stir in cream and sausage, and warm through. Season and garnish before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but milk may curdle. For the best texture, stick with heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? You can prepare the base (through the simmering step) ahead. Store the base, cooked sausage, and uncooked tortellini separately. Before serving, reheat the base, add the tortellini and kale to cook, then finish with cream and sausage.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes. Add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup; it may require 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time.
What other greens can I use? Spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole are excellent substitutes for kale. Add more delicate greens like spinach at the very end, just until wilted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the heavy cream, as this can cause it to curdle or separate—always reduce to low heat. Do not overcook the tortellini, as it will continue to soften in the hot soup and can become mushy. Seasoning at the end is crucial, as the saltiness of the broth and sausage can vary, so always taste before adding more salt. Finally, do not skip browning the sausage well, as this step builds the foundational flavor for the entire dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, perfectly balancing rich creaminess, savory sausage, and hearty vegetables. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a reliable recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of this effortless, satisfying recipe.