When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, a warm bowl of soup is likely at the top of your list. Among the myriad of choices, Sausage Tortellini Soup stands out as a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will warm both your belly and your heart. This soup is hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal for families or an impressive dish for dinner parties.
Why We Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
There’s a lot to love about Sausage Tortellini Soup. First, the rich and creamy broth pairs perfectly with the tender tortellini and flavorful sausage, making each bite a delightful experience. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, which adds a vibrant color and a boost of vitamins.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a little heat or a milder flavor, the option to adjust the spices makes it flexible. You can also substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, turning this recipe into a go-to staple for your kitchen.
Ingredients about Sausage Tortellini Soup
To create this delightful Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need the following 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 tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup Directions
Making Sausage Tortellini Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. To get started, ensure that you have all your ingredients ready and your kitchen tools at hand.
If your sausage comes in links, begin by removing the casings. This will ensure that the sausage crumbles nicely as it cooks. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the sausage and diced onions. Cook these together for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are softened. It’s essential to drain any excess grease after cooking.
Once the sausage and onions are cooked to perfection, add the minced garlic to the pot. Allow it to cook for about one minute. This will infuse your soup with an aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it well into the mixture, allowing it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial to eliminate any raw flour taste that could linger in your soup.
Now, gather your dried spices: basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle these into your pot and stir well to combine everything. Each spice adds layers of flavor that are quintessential to this soup.
Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to gently scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits that may have stuck. This technique will enhance the depth of flavor in your soup.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to come to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
After a few minutes of simmering, add in the chopped kale and tortellini. Let the soup cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, feel free to add it first and then combine the kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
At this stage, taste your soup and adjust the salt accordingly. Start with about ¼ teaspoon and add more if desired.
Finally, it’s time to serve! Transfer your hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup into serving bowls. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, making for a meal that’s truly comforting.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup
When serving Sausage Tortellini Soup, it’s important to think about how to elevate the experience. Begin by ladling the steaming soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving contains a generous amount of sausage and tortellini.
Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese on top, like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, to enhance the rich flavor of the soup. A few extra red pepper flakes can also provide a nice kick for those who enjoy spice.
For a complete meal, serve your soup with crispy garlic bread or a simple side salad. This addition not only complements the soup but also provides a well-rounded dining experience.
Expert Tips: Sausage Tortellini Soup
Choose the Right Sausage: The type of sausage you choose can greatly influence the flavor of your soup. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for mild Italian sausage. If you enjoy a kick, go for hot sausage.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like kale and garlic. This will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
Customize Your Spices: Feel free to play with the spices according to your palate. If you love garlic, add an extra clove or two.
Thicken Your Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or decrease the amount of broth.
Cook Tortellini Separately: If you are making a large batch and plan to store some for later, consider cooking the tortellini separately. This prevents it from becoming overcooked when reheating the soup.
How to Store Sausage Tortellini Soup
Storing Sausage Tortellini Soup is easy and convenient. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the soup. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if you find the soup too thick after freezing.
Variation of Sausage Tortellini Soup
Like many recipes, Sausage Tortellini Soup allows for a variety of delicious variations. Here are a few ideas to switch it up:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Increase the amount of kale and add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Different Tortellini Flavors: Explore different flavors of tortellini. Cheese, spinach, or even mushroom tortellini can add new dimensions to the dish.
Add More Greens: If you love greens, toss in additional vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, or even broccoli for a colorful and nutritious boost.
Change the Broth: Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Cheesy Goodness: For a creamier finish, mix in some cream cheese or a handful of shredded cheese when you add the heavy cream.
FAQ: Sausage Tortellini Soup
What is Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting bowl of creamy broth filled with crumbled Italian sausage, tortellini, and nutritious greens like kale. It’s a hearty dish perfect for any time of the year.
Can I change the sausage to a different type?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, including chicken or turkey sausage. The key is to choose one that complements the flavors of the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To make your Sausage Tortellini Soup spicier, consider adding more red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly well in this recipe. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
How do I keep the leftovers fresh?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Instructions
- If using sausage links, remove the casings. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and onion together until the sausage is browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to release any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, kale, and tortellini. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
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