Sausage and Tortellini Soup

As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort to your table. Our Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of savory flavors that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Ready in just 30 minutes, this satisfying meal combines vegetables, protein, and pasta in one delicious bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a dream come true for busy weeknights. With its rich and creamy base, it offers a perfect balance of flavors thanks to a hint of hot sauce and mustard powder. Don’t be surprised when these ingredients elevate the taste to something truly special. After just one spoonful, you’ll see why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

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 refrigerated tortellini, just under 10 oz.
• Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Note: The mustard powder and hot sauce are subtle but essential for enhancing the flavors. Don’t skip them!
2. Remove the casings from the sausage if necessary. Cook and crumble the sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are soft and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the grease and add the garlic, cooking for another minute.
3. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Mix in the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Add the kale and tortellini, simmering for 3-5 minutes. If the tortellini requires more time, add it first, followed by the kale during the last 5 minutes.
7. Taste the soup and add salt if needed, starting with ¼ teaspoon.
8. Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with Garlic Bread with Cheese.

Tips for Success

• Be sure to cook the flour long enough to eliminate any raw flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference, but remember that flavors will meld as the soup sits.

Additional Tips or Variations

If kale isn’t to your taste or unavailable, spinach is a great substitute. For added depth, try using a mix of hot and mild sausage, or add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While specific nutritional values will vary, this soup typically offers a balanced profile of proteins and carbohydrates, with the added benefit of leafy greens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more.

Can I freeze this soup?
While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the tortellini may change. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it fresh when reheating.

Conclusion

Our Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that you’ll want to make again and again. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so please share your experiences and any variations you tried in the comments below!