Sausage and Tortellini Soup
A rich and hearty one-pot soup with spicy Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and tender kale in a creamy tomato broth. This comforting meal is perfect for a chilly evening and comes together in just over 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Brown the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break it into bite-sized crumbles.
- Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and sauté in the sausage drippings for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Cook Tortellini
- Once boiling, add the refrigerated tortellini to the pot.
- Cook according to the package instructions, typically for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface.
Finish and Serve
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage.
- Add the chopped kale and simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the kale has wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a good quality spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer less heat, mild or sweet Italian sausage works perfectly too.
- 2To prevent mushy tortellini in leftovers, you can cook it separately and add it to individual bowls when serving.
- 3Fresh spinach is an excellent substitute for kale. Add it at the very end of cooking, as it only needs about a minute to wilt.
- 4The soup will thicken upon standing. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- 5For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use turkey sausage instead of pork.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and use a plant-based sausage alternative. Substitute chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add 1 chopped carrot and 1 chopped celery stalk along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Sauté 1 finely diced jalapeño with the onion and increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
Swap the kale for Swiss chard or escarole. Adjust cooking time as needed until tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Protein
The Italian sausage and cheese tortellini offer a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked diced tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Nutrient-Dense Greens
Kale is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals and antioxidants, contributing to bone health, vision, and overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this soup contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the type of sausage and cream used. It is a rich and hearty meal.
