Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting ingredients into a quick 30-minute meal. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or as a warming treat on chilly days. With the hearty combination of sausage, kale, and tortellini, this soup stands out for its creamy texture and robust taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and spices delivers a flavor explosion in every spoonful.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the soup by using different greens or pasta types based on your preference.
- Comfort Food: This creamy soup is perfect for warming you up on cold nights, providing comfort with every bite.
- Makes Great Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups, allowing ample space for all ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the pot to ensure all flavors are incorporated while preventing scratches.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30 minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Main 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
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
- Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links.
- Cook and crumble the sausage along with diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions soften and the sausage is fully cooked. This should take about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add Flour and Seasonings
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all seasonings.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Cream
- Pour in chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream until fully combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
- Mix in chopped kale and tortellini. Simmer for about 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- If your tortellini requires longer cooking time, add it first before adding kale during the last five minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste your soup and add salt if desired; start with ¼ teaspoon before adjusting further as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls! This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup pairs wonderfully with Garlic Bread with Cheese.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your soup night.
With Garlic Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Topped with Parmesan
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Serve with a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
Side of Crusty Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of warm baguette is great for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Garnish your soup with fresh herbs to add color and a burst of flavor right before serving.

How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
To achieve the best Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sausage and vegetables will give you a more vibrant taste compared to their frozen or canned counterparts.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste. If you love heat, increase the cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers can provide additional color and nutrients to your soup.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a different twist.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing Sausage Tortellini Soup with delightful side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunchy romaine and tangy dressing to balance out the creaminess of the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil introduces a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled in balsamic glaze make for a delightful finger food addition.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrients alongside your hearty bowl of soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer a bite-sized treat that pairs well with any Italian dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft knots brushed with garlic butter and covered in cheese make for an irresistible side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust your seasonings as you cook.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions for cooking time and add it just before serving.
- Neglecting ingredient quality: Using low-quality sausage or broth can diminish the flavor. Opt for fresh Italian sausage and a good quality chicken broth.
- Forgetting to drain grease: Leaving excess grease from the sausage can make the soup oily. Always drain after browning the sausage and onions.
- Ignoring texture balance: Adding too much cream can make the soup overly rich. Adjust with broth if needed, ensuring a creamy yet balanced texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with Italian sausage, tortellini pasta, kale, and simple seasonings. It’s quick and comforting.
Can I use frozen tortellini in Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing.
How do I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
You can customize by adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers or using different types of sausage. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Is this Sausage Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and flour alternatives like cornstarch or almond flour.
How do I store leftover Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly comforting and filling. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a delicious meal!

Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Savor the warmth of this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting ingredients that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this soup features hearty sausage, vibrant kale, and tender tortellini enveloped in a luscious broth. Each spoonful is a flavor-packed experience that will impress your family and friends alike. Serve it alongside crispy garlic bread or a fresh salad for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 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
- Salt/ to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and onions until the onions are soft and the sausage is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for another minute before adding seasonings.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Add chopped kale and tortellini; simmer for about 3–5 minutes until heated through.
- Adjust salt to taste and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg