Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
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 (just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen)); 3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne (optional); 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder; 0.25 teaspoon pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; to taste salt

Introduction to Sausage Tortellini Soup

What is Sausage Tortellini Soup?

One of the ultimate comfort foods, sausage tortellini soup is a rich, creamy dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant greens like kale. Perfectly seasoned with a medley of herbs, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl that’s not only satisfying but also simple to prepare. Imagine savoring each spoonful of this hearty delight, where every flavor complements the next, creating a delightful experience that's both comforting and nourishing.

Why is it a great choice for homemade meals?

One of the standout features of sausage tortellini soup is its quick preparation time. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable! You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand or switch up the protein to suit your taste. Want a lighter version? Feel free to substitute Italian turkey sausage or chicken for the traditional sausage. This flexibility makes it a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prepping.

Looking for more insights on quick meal ideas? Check out this article on meal prepping for some expert tips!

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creating a delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here's a friendly rundown of what you'll need to whip up this comforting dish:

1 pound ground Italian sausage (choose between hot or mild for your preferred spice level)
1 small yellow onion, diced for that essential base flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced to add aromatic goodness
3 tablespoons flour to help thicken the soup
1 teaspoon dried basil and ½ teaspoon oregano for a fragrant herby touch
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) to kick things up a notch
1 teaspoon hot sauce to enhance the flavor profile
½ teaspoon mustard powder for a subtle depth of flavor
¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added warmth
1 cup heavy cream to create that creamy consistency
5 cups chicken broth (a good quality broth makes a big difference)
2 cups kale, chopped for nutrition and color
2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen; just under 10 oz.)

Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. For a fantastic side, consider pairing it with Garlic Bread with Cheese. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Step-by-step Preparation of Sausage Tortellini Soup

When it comes to warm, comforting meals, sausage tortellini soup is a favorite for many. Not only is it delicious, but prepping this hearty dish can be done in about 30 minutes! Let's dive into the preparation process step-by-step to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

Gather your ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have everything on hand. This will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you'll need:

1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild, your choice)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon oregano
A pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon pepper
A pinch of red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups kale, chopped
2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Salt to taste

Having everything prepped will save you time and allow you to focus on creating that tasty bowl of sausage tortellini soup.

Cook the sausage and onions

Start by cooking your ground sausage and diced onions together in a large pot over medium-high heat. This should take about 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft and the sausage is browned. Make sure to crumble the sausage with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease. This step reduces the fat in your soup and keeps it light.

Add garlic and spice it up

Add your minced garlic to the pot and sauté it for an additional minute until it's fragrant. Now's the time to get creative! Sprinkle in the flour, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup and eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, mix in dried basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. These spices will breathe life into your sausage tortellini soup!

Create the base with broth and cream

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Grab a silicone spatula to scrub the bottom of the pot; you want all those flavors to meld together. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, which adds richness and creaminess to the soup. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.

Simmer with kale and tortellini

Finally, add the chopped kale and tortellini to your pot. Let them simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through. If you’re using frozen tortellini, keep an eye on the cooking time; it might vary a bit. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt to your liking. Serve up your warming bowl of sausage tortellini soup and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

This versatile and heartwarming soup can be enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a meal prep option for a busy week ahead. You won’t be disappointed!

Variations on Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup

For a refreshing twist, try a creamy vegetable tortellini soup. Simply add your favorite veggies, like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, while sautéing the onions. You can also substitute part of the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter touch. This variation not only enhances the flavor but also packs in extra nutrients, making it a colorful and satisfying meal.

Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

If you enjoy a kick, consider making a spicy sausage tortellini soup. Use hot Italian sausage or add additional red pepper flakes to dial up the heat. You can even toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right at the end for an extra punch. Pair this with a refreshing side salad to balance the spice, and you're in for a treat!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Sausage Tortellini Soup

Selecting Your Sausage

Choose between hot or mild Italian sausage based on your spice preference. Hot sausage adds a delightful kick, while mild gives a more subtle flavor.

Perfecting the Creaminess

For an extra creamy touch, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with half-and-half. This will give your sausage tortellini soup a rich and velvety texture without being too heavy.

Experiment with Veggies

Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like spinach or carrots. They not only enhance nutrition but also contribute layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. You may also enjoy it with a fresh salad. Use this garlic bread recipe to impress your guests!

Remember, the longer you let the soup sit, the more the flavors meld together, so don't hesitate to make it a day ahead!