A Hearty Comfort Dish in Just 30 Minutes!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hot bowl of Sausage Tortellini Soup. This hearty and flavorful dish is the perfect balance of protein-packed sausage, tender tortellini, and a creamy broth that will leave you craving more. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a cozy dinner for yourself, this soup is guaranteed to impress.
Why Sausage Tortellini Soup is a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of quick, easy-to-make meals that don’t compromise on flavor, Sausage Tortellini Soup should be on your list. What makes this soup stand out is the richness of the sausage, combined with the soft, cheese-filled tortellini. These two ingredients alone bring a ton of flavor, but when combined with a well-seasoned broth, fresh greens, and the right spices, they truly shine.
The Perfect Comfort Meal for Busy Days
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. But with this Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe, there’s no need to sacrifice nutrition for convenience. This soup is an ideal weeknight dinner, as it comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something homemade but are short on time.
Ingredients That Make This Soup Stand Out
Let’s break down the ingredients that make Sausage Tortellini Soup so flavorful:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, based on your preference)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch of cayenne (optional for those who love a kick)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale (or spinach if kale isn’t available)
- 2 cups tortellini (preferably cheese-filled)
- Salt to taste
Each ingredient has a specific role in elevating the overall taste of the soup. For instance, the Italian sausage provides a meaty base, while the spices such as basil, oregano, and cayenne give the broth a unique depth of flavor. Heavy cream brings a rich creaminess that perfectly balances the spicy and savory elements.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Browning the Sausage and Onions
Begin by removing the casings from the sausage if necessary. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the sausage and onions together. Let the sausage brown and the onions turn soft, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Browning the sausage enhances its flavor, while the onions add a natural sweetness to the soup.
Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot. This step is crucial to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.
2. Adding Garlic and Flour
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Garlic will release its fragrance quickly, so sauté it for about 1 minute. Immediately after, stir in the 3 tablespoons of flour. Cooking the flour for an additional 1-2 minutes helps thicken the soup later without leaving any raw flour taste.
3. Incorporating Spices and Chicken Broth
This is where the magic starts. Mix in your dried basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the spices well, ensuring they coat the sausage and onions evenly. Then, pour in the 5 cups of chicken broth. As you pour, use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits add even more flavor to your soup.
4. Bringing in the Creamy Goodness
Gradually stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This creates the creamy base for your soup, making every spoonful luxuriously smooth.
5. Adding Greens and Tortellini
Add the 2 cups of chopped kale (or spinach) to the simmering soup. If you’re using kale, it will take about 3-5 minutes to soften. Spinach cooks faster, so if you choose that as a substitute, you can add it closer to the end of the cooking process.
Next, stir in the 2 cups of tortellini. The cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini, so refer to the package instructions. Generally, tortellini will take about 3-5 minutes to cook through.
6. Final Touches
Once the tortellini is cooked and the greens are tender, season the soup with salt to taste. For an added touch of indulgence, serve your Sausage Tortellini Soup with a side of cheesy garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Soup
- Use Parmesan or Romano cheese rinds: Adding a cheese rind to the soup while it simmers can enhance the broth with a rich, savory depth.
- Swap kale for spinach: If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to use fresh or frozen spinach. Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too wilted.
- For best results, use fresh tortellini: We recommend using RANA refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini for a deliciously soft texture and authentic taste.
Crock Pot Alternative for Busy Days
If you prefer a hands-off approach, this recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Follow these steps for the crock pot method:
- Brown the sausage and onions as outlined in the stovetop method.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your crock pot and add the broth, spices, and greens (hold off on the cream and tortellini for now).
- Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream and cooked tortellini.
This method is perfect for prepping the soup in the morning and enjoying a hot, ready-to-eat dinner at the end of the day.
Storage and Leftovers
This Sausage Tortellini Soup stores well and can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, tortellini tends to absorb the broth over time, so if you plan to store leftovers, you may want to cook the tortellini separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
Alternatively, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop, cook the tortellini separately, and stir it in once the soup is hot.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a flavorful, comforting soup to share with loved ones, Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers on all fronts. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Thank you, I will make it this weekend!