Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 pepper (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

Jump to Recipe·4 from 8 reviews

If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that combines creamy richness with a delightful medley of flavors and textures, you are going to fall in love with this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. This comforting soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant kale all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when friends drop by. Prepare to savor every single spoonful of this incredible dish that brings together ease and gourmet taste effortlessly.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image is split into two parts showing a white pot on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the pot contains browned ground meat mixed with small pieces of onion, with a pale yellow liquid being poured from a clear glass container into the meat mixture. The right side shows the same pot now almost full of a pale yellow broth with small floating bits from the meat, as a thicker white liquid is being poured from a clear glass container onto the surface of the broth, creating small bubbles and light foam around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this soup shine. Each component adds a unique layer—sausage brings boldness, aromatics deepen the flavor, herbs and spices add warmth, and the tortellini offers a comforting bite. Together, they create a soup that's satisfying and vibrant in both taste and texture.

1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The star protein that delivers a spicy, savory kick.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic punch that lifts the entire soup.
3 Tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the broth into a creamy, velvety base.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces an earthy, slightly sweet herb note.
½ teaspoon oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with sausage.
1 pinch cayenne (optional): Adds a subtle warmth that enhances but doesn't overpower.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: A hidden flavor booster that brings gentle heat and complexity.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: A subtle tang that brightens the broth’s richness.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild peppery bite to balance flavors.
1 pinch red pepper flakes: For an extra spark of spice.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious creamy texture that envelops each ingredient.
5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the soup’s goodness.
2 cups kale (chopped): Adds freshness, color, and a pleasant earthy crunch.
2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen): Cheese-filled pasta that makes each bite truly special.
Salt to taste: Essential to bring all flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by removing the casings from your sausage links if that’s what you’ve got, then place the sausage and diced onions in a pot over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is browned and onions are tender, about 8-10 minutes. This step builds a rich, savory foundation for your soup. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute to release that tempting aroma.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and onions and stir well. Cooking the flour for 1-2 minutes eliminates any raw taste and starts the magic of thickening your broth. Your soup will gradually transform into a silky, satisfying bowl of comfort from here.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices

It’s time to introduce those beautiful herbs and spices: basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to evenly coat the ingredients—this is where the layers of flavor start to come alive and mingle.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and give the pot a good scrape with a silicone spatula to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. This combination creates the rich, creamy base you'll love with each spoonful.

Step 5: Add Kale and Tortellini

Now toss in your chopped kale and tortellini. Let the soup simmer for 3-5 minutes so the pasta cooks through and the kale softens but still retains a little bite. If your tortellini needs a bit longer cooking time, add the pasta first and then the kale during the last few minutes to keep it vibrant.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give your soup a taste, then add salt as needed—start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust from there until it feels just right. Once seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like a warm, delicious celebration in every serving.

How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with creamy soup that has three layers: a light creamy base, yellow tortellini floating in the soup, and bits of green kale scattered on top. In the second part, the soup has extra small pieces of cooked sausage mixed in with the tortellini and kale, making the soup look thicker and more textured. The pot has a white marbled surface underneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this soup is absolutely delicious on its own, adding garnishes can take it to the next level. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens the flavors beautifully. If you love a bit of extra heat, some additional red pepper flakes on top create a lovely finishing kick.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread topped with melted cheese to soak up every last bit of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast that complements the soup’s richness without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with little bread crocks on the side for dipping. You could also turn it into a more substantial meal by adding a side of roasted vegetables or a charcuterie platter with olives and fresh bread for a delightful Italian-inspired evening.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal just as enjoyable. Just be sure to cool the soup before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Because this soup contains dairy and pasta, freezing is possible but requires some care. Freeze the soup without the tortellini for best results, then add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating. This helps maintain the perfect texture without turning the pasta mushy.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. This ensures every spoonful is as creamy and comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While tortellini is ideal for its cheesy, stuffed pockets, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ravioli or even mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time to suit the pasta you choose.

Is it okay to use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Yes! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and works well in this soup. It might offer a slightly milder flavor, so feel free to increase the spices a bit to keep that bold taste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can, by replacing the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and adding vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy base and seasonings still make for a comforting, delicious dish.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level is moderate and customizable. The pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce add warmth, but you can adjust or omit these depending on your spice tolerance.

Does the soup reheat well for meal prep?

Yes, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Just store it properly, and reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavors for an easy, hearty meal any day.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels like a special occasion yet is easy to whip up on a busy night, this Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Its blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped around cheesy tortellini and fresh kale is nothing short of amazing. Give this heartwarming soup a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need