There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup hits all the right notes. Packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace and makes you feel right at home. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty soup brings comfort in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spicy Italian sausage and creamy broth creates a rich taste that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have at home, making it easy to customize.
- Nutrient-Rich: With kale and tortellini included, this soup offers a great balance of flavors and nutrition.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Silicone spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the sausage evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping the bottom of the pot without scratching the surface, ensuring no flavor is left behind.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup:
For the Soup Base
- 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)
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
For Creaminess and Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
For Pasta
- 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen)
Final Touches
- Salt to taste
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Onions
Cook and crumble the sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions become soft and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Season It Up
Stir in basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Pour in chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape any stuck particles from the bottom of the pot. Gradually mix in heavy cream and bring everything to a boil; then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Add Greens and Pasta
Add chopped kale and tortellini. Let simmer for about 3-5 minutes until tortellini is tender. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve hot in bowls. Enjoy your cozy bowl of spicy goodness!
This recipe yields six servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy your deliciously comforting Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup!
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Serving Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with parsley or basil – Sprinkling freshly chopped herbs adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan – A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the soup’s savory profile.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Serve with garlic bread – The buttery, toasted flavor of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the spicy notes.
- Try a baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is great for dipping into the soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- Use sourdough bread bowls – Serving the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf creates an edible bowl that absorbs the delicious broth.
As Part of a Dinner Spread
- Include a salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup without overpowering it.
- Offer appetizers – Start with light bites like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms to keep the meal balanced.
How to Perfect Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
To ensure your Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose quality sausage – Opt for fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. Hot sausage adds more spice, while mild provides a gentler taste.
- Don’t skip the sautéing – Sautéing the onions and sausage until golden will build depth in flavor.
- Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste as you go, adjusting spices to suit your heat preference.
- Let it simmer longer – Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the tortellini.
- Add vegetables wisely – Feel free to include other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
- Store properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The flavors continue to meld overnight!
Best Side Dishes for Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Complement your Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.
- Garlic Bread – This classic side brings buttery flavors that pair well with hearty soups.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing adds crunch and balance.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing contrast to spicy soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes for a light appetizer before the main dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your soup.
- Cheesy Rice Casserole – This creamy dish complements the spiciness of the soup while adding comfort food vibes.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats filled with cheese make great finger food to enjoy before or after your meal.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates an Italian-themed spread that pairs beautifully with soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key points. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using low-quality sausage: Always choose a good quality Italian sausage for better flavor. A tastier sausage elevates the entire dish.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and spices to suit your preference for optimal flavor.
- Overcooking tortellini: Follow the package instructions for cooking tortellini. Overcooking can make them mushy and spoil the texture.
- Skipping the flour step: Don’t skip sprinkling flour over the sausage mixture. This helps thicken the soup and enhances its creaminess.
- Not letting it simmer enough: Give your soup time to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup special?
This soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender tortellini and fresh kale in a creamy broth, creating a warm and comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Can I use frozen tortellini in Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Yes! Frozen tortellini work well in this recipe. Just add them directly into the soup while cooking without thawing first.
How can I customize my Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Is there a vegetarian version of Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives or mushrooms for added flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spice levels according to your taste. Give this cozy recipe a try, and enjoy a heartwarming bowl that feels like home.
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Warm up your chilly evenings with this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a delightful and hearty dish that envelops you in comfort. Bursting with flavor from spicy Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini, this soup is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Each spoonful not only warms the heart but also packs in nutritious kale, ensuring a balanced meal. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, this satisfying soup is bound to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 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
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage and diced onions until soft and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture; cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Stir in dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula; mix in heavy cream and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
- Add chopped kale and tortellini; let simmer for 3-5 minutes until tortellini are tender. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
