Sausage Tortellini Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup brings together the best of Italian flavors with the ease of a one-pot meal. The sausage adds a savory depth, while the tortellini provides a chewy, cheesy bite that makes the dish filling and delicious. The addition of kale introduces a healthy, vibrant touch without overpowering the taste. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to prepare, and great for leftovers or even a slow cooker adaptation. Whether you want a quick dinner or a comforting bowl to curl up with, this recipe has you covered.

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

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Remove casings from sausage if using links. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions until onions are softened and sausage is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

4. Add dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

5. Pour in chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

6. Add chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until kale wilts and tortellini is cooked through. (If tortellini requires longer cooking, add it first and add kale in the last 5 minutes.)

7. Taste and adjust salt as needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon.

8. Serve hot, ideally alongside garlic bread with cheese for a perfect pairing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Substitute kale with spinach for a milder green—add spinach once tortellini is cooked and let it wilt briefly.

• For extra depth, simmer the soup with a Parmesan or Romano cheese rind and discard before serving.

• Use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.

• Swap tortellini with gnocchi or small pasta shapes for a different texture.

• Try adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Note that tortellini will continue absorbing broth over time, so it’s best to cook tortellini separately when preparing leftovers and add it fresh when reheating soup.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it.

FAQs

What type of sausage should I use?

You can use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference. Both work well and add great flavor.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just be sure to adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Is it necessary to add mustard powder and hot sauce?

While optional, these ingredients subtly enhance the soup’s flavor, balancing richness with a gentle tang and heat.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute sausage with a plant-based alternative or omit it, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I store leftovers to keep tortellini from getting mushy?

Cook tortellini separately and store it apart from the soup. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, the soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage and onions on the stove, then transfer everything except cream, kale, and tortellini to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Add kale and cream toward the end and stir in cooked tortellini just before serving.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots can be added when cooking the sausage and onions.

What can I serve with this soup?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or crusty bread pairs perfectly with this soup.

How can I make this soup less creamy?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a wonderfully comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. With its rich, creamy broth and satisfying ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste and made ahead for convenience. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or serving family and friends, this soup delivers hearty comfort in every spoonful.