If you are craving a cozy, flavorful meal that excites your taste buds without complicated steps, the Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. This hearty soup blends the rich, spicy kick of Italian sausage with tender tortellini pasta and vibrant kale for a colorful, comforting bowl of pure satisfaction. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress friends, this recipe is a delightful way to warm your soul while enjoying layers of robust flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from delivering spice and depth to creating that creamy texture and fresh crunch, ensuring every spoonful is a complete experience.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The star protein that provides rich, savory flavor and a spicy punch.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and complexity to the broth.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup for a pleasing, velvety consistency.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a subtle, herbaceous freshness to balance the heat.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Provides an earthy and slightly peppery undertone.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an extra layer of heat for those who like it fiery.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Boosts the spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Introduces a sharp, tangy note that lifts the overall taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Grounds the flavor profile with its mild heat.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Enhances the soup’s spiciness, adjustable to your mood.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that rounds out the heat.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 cups kale, chopped: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthy crunch.
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen): Tender pasta parcels that soak up the delicious broth.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances and balances all flavors in the soup.
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage and diced onions together until the onions are softened and the sausage is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. This base infuses the soup with a robust, savory foundation. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your soup doesn’t become greasy but stays perfectly rich.
Step 2: Adding the Garlic
Once the sausage and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute. Garlic is delicate and cooks fast, releasing those wonderful aromatic oils that elevate the flavor profile without taking over.
Step 3: Thickening the Soup Base
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to thickening the soup, creating a creamy, hearty texture that coats every bite and makes the broth velvety and satisfying.
Step 4: Seasoning the Soup
Add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. These spices come together to build complex layers of flavor, balancing the creaminess with a lively heat that wakes up your palate.
Step 5: Combining Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to infuse the soup with extra depth. Then gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This creamy broth melds seamlessly with the spices and sausage juices, creating a luscious soup base that you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 6: Final Simmer with Kale and Tortellini
Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped kale and tortellini. Let everything simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the kale has softened just enough to retain its bright color and slight texture. This final step makes the soup feel fresh and hearty all at once. Before serving, taste and adjust with salt as needed.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve this comforting bowl hot, letting the creamy, spicy broth envelop your senses. The dance of heat, creaminess, and fresh greens with the tender tortellini will have you savoring every spoonful.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your soup even more inviting, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for brightness, or an extra dash of red pepper flakes if you want to amplify the heat. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add luxurious richness and a hint of elegance to the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when paired with classic crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple side salad with a crisp vinaigrette is also a great match, balancing the richness of the soup while adding a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to combine the side and main course, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy date night. Alternatively, ladle the soup over extra tortellini for an even more filling meal, or top the bowls with a fried egg for a unique and luscious finish that gives extra protein and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day. Remember to keep the soup chilled and reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream and tortellini to preserve texture and freshness. Freeze the broth, sausage mixture, and kale in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and add fresh cream and tortellini before heating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, reheat until boiling before adding cream and tortellini, then simmer until the pasta is tender and the soup is heated through completely. Reheating slowly ensures the soup stays creamy without curdling.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using mild sausage will cut down on the heat, making the soup more approachable for those sensitive to spice. You can always add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to increase the spice level later.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly here and can save prep time. Just add it directly to the simmering soup in the final step and cook until tender, usually 3 to 5 minutes.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Definitely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens can be great alternatives. Just add them near the end of cooking to preserve their texture and vibrant color.
What kind of hot sauce works best for this soup?
Any simple, flavorful hot sauce will work, such as Tabasco, Cholula, or Frank’s RedHot. Choose one that complements the Italian sausage without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While this recipe highlights spicy sausage, you can swap the sausage with plant-based Italian sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will give you a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing much in terms of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of savory goodness with just the right amount of heat and creaminess. It’s the kind of comforting meal that hits all the right notes, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something both delicious and satisfying. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite soup to share and savor time and time again.
Print
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for warming up on chilly days. Combining savory Italian sausage with tender tortellini pasta, vibrant kale, and a creamy, spicy broth, it delivers comfort food with a kick. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb 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
- Salt, to taste
Vegetables and Pasta
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen)
Instructions
- Cook sausage and onions: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage and diced yellow onion for about 8-10 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic’s aroma to release without burning.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine and remove the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add spices: Mix in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to develop the spicy and savory flavor profile.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and add greens and pasta: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer. Add the chopped kale and tortellini. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the kale has wilted. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Frozen tortellini can be added directly without thawing.
- For a thicker soup, increase flour by an additional tablespoon.
- Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne and hot sauce amounts to control heat level.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
