If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and comforting warmth, this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with hearty Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant kale, every spoonful delivers a delightful mix of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or simply soup night at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying bowl that’s easy to whip up and impossible to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the silky texture of heavy cream, and the wholesome bite of kale, these components come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The star protein that gives the soup its spicy and savory backbone.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens with the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and subtle pungency to the base.
- 3 tablespoons flour: A secret weapon for thickening the broth into a creamy, luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers herbal brightness to balance the rich sausage.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Infuses a classic Italian earthiness that complements the other spices.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional): Adds extra heat for those who like their soup with a little bite.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Enhances the soup’s spiciness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Introduces a subtle tang that lifts the creamy broth.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a mild peppery warmth throughout.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Gives that hint of fiery sparkle in every mouthful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture that envelops every ingredient.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid base that carries all the flavors.
- 2 cups kale, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch and a pop of color.
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen): Tender, stuffed pasta that makes the soup wonderfully filling.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage with diced onions until the onions soften and the sausage is browned, about 8-10 minutes. This foundational step unlocks deep savory notes that will permeate the soup. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook just a minute until fragrant—this brief cooking time helps mellow the sharpness while preserving its character. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This not only thickens the soup later but also develops a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the richness.
Step 3: Season With Herbs and Spices
Now it’s time to add dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper if you want that extra heat, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. These spices transform the sausage base into a full-bodied, flavorful broth with complex layers of spice and herbal notes. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom—this technique infuses extra flavor into the soup. Once mixed, gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring everything just to a gentle boil. The cream softens the heat and adds a smooth richness, making every spoonful luxurious.
Step 5: Simmer With Kale and Tortellini
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the chopped kale and tortellini. Let the soup simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and the kale has softened but still holds some bite. Taste and adjust salt as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top. A drizzle of extra hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes can also add an exciting final touch for spice enthusiasts.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinegar cuts through the richness perfectly and adds refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls, turning your meal into a cozy edible experience. Or layer the tortellini on the bottom with sausage and broth poured on top in clear bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next serving just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well. Use a freezer-safe container and leave room for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding the tortellini, so consider cooking separate pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add freshly cooked tortellini or kale as needed to keep the texture fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Absolutely! The choice between hot and mild Italian sausage depends on your spice preference. Mild sausage will still provide great flavor but with less heat. You can always adjust spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Is fresh or frozen tortellini better for this soup?
Both work wonderfully. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a delicate texture, while frozen tortellini is convenient and just as tasty. Just be sure to adjust cooking time so the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Can I substitute kale with other greens?
Yes, you can swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Just keep in mind some greens cook faster or become softer, so add them accordingly to keep some texture.
What can I do if my soup is not spicy enough?
If you want more heat after tasting, sprinkle in additional cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. Adding spice gradually is best to keep the flavor balanced and not overpowering.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup has a creamy but slightly broth-like consistency thanks to the flour and heavy cream. It shouldn’t be too thick like a stew but should coat the back of a spoon nicely, offering rich mouthfeel without being heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that warms your heart and excites your taste buds all at once. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious soup as much as I do — it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 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 cozy evenings. Made with Italian sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini in a creamy, spiced broth, it combines a comforting richness with a gentle kick of heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is ideal for weeknight dinners and serves up to six people.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
- Salt, to taste
Thickening and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
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 onions for about 8-10 minutes until the onions are softened and the sausage is browned. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring well to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Spices: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with Kale and Tortellini: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup, then add the chopped kale and tortellini. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is tender. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, ideally accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust the heat level to your taste.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a bit longer before adding cream.
- Frozen tortellini works well and can be added directly without thawing.
- Crusty bread makes a perfect side to soak up the flavorful broth.
