Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a perfect 30-minute meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the delightful texture of tortellini and the freshness of kale. With its rich, creamy broth and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and hearty ingredients ensures every spoonful is packed with taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt the recipe by using different types of sausage or adding your choice of vegetables.
- Comforting Texture: The combination of creamy broth and tender tortellini creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your Sausage Tortellini Soup, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This allows for even cooking and ample space for all ingredients while simmering.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
Ingredients
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to make with sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream!
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Broth
- 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
Dairy & Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
Pasta
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen))
Salt
- 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 with diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Add Flour and Seasonings
Add flour to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Stir in dried basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
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. Bring mixture to a boil before reducing heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer with Kale and Tortellini
Add chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through. If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, add it first before incorporating kale during the last five minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste your soup! If needed, add salt starting with ¼ teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired flavor.
Step 6: Serve Your Soup
Transfer portions into serving bowls. Enjoy this delightful soup alongside Garlic Bread with Cheese for an extra treat!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – The perfect accompaniment for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread – A flavorful addition that complements the richness of the soup.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Mixed Green Salad – Light and vibrant greens with a tangy vinaigrette balance the meal.
Garnish Creatively
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness on top.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated cheese provides an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Serve with Appetizers
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory bites that pair well with the soup’s flavors.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil enhances the dining experience.

How to Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
To achieve the best results with your Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Sausage – Choosing high-quality Italian sausage enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh kale and garlic to elevate taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour during cooking or reduce broth slightly.
- Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust seasonings like cayenne or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
- Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for easy reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Complement your Sausage Tortellini Soup with these delicious side dishes that are sure to impress.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light starter.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a hearty touch to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter – A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables make for an elegant side.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots – Soft dough balls coated in garlic butter and cheese are irresistible alongside any soup.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad tossed with vegetables and Italian dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned perfectly provide a satisfying crunch that pairs nicely with soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland soup. Be sure to use all the recommended herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions for optimal texture.
- Neglecting the cream: Adding cream too early can result in a curdled texture. Stir it in after bringing the broth to a simmer for best results.
- Using low-quality sausage: The sausage is a key ingredient, so choose a high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor. Avoid cheap options that might be less flavorful.
- Not adjusting salt: Every broth varies in saltiness. Always taste your soup before adding salt and adjust according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Sausage Tortellini Soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use frozen tortellini for Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing.
How can I customize my Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also switch out kale for spinach if you prefer.
What goes well with Sausage Tortellini Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a light salad. Both complement its creamy texture perfectly!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This hearty dish features succulent Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Every spoonful offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out. Try it paired with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 2 cups tortellini
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and onions are softened (8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw taste. Mix in seasonings: dried basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to combine flavors. Slowly stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and add chopped kale and tortellini; cook for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg






