If you’re craving a hearty bowl that bursts with flavor, the Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This comforting soup perfectly balances the rich, savory heat of Italian sausage with tender tortellini and a creamy, spiced broth that wraps you in warmth from the very first spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you want something satisfying and full of character, this soup makes for a deliciously easy meal that feels like a big, warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in bringing the dish together. From the spicy Italian sausage that forms the flavorful base, to the fresh kale adding a pop of green and nutrients, every ingredient enhances the taste, texture, and look of the soup.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose hot or mild depending on your spice preference; it’s the soup’s hearty star.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds essential sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): A classic aromatic that lifts all other flavors.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the soup beautifully for a luscious texture.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle herbal touch that complements the sausage.
- Oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy Mediterranean flair.
- Cayenne pepper (1 pinch, optional): For a bold kick to excite your taste buds.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the soup’s spiciness without overwhelming.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle tangy warmth behind the scenes.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly ground, it sharpens the overall flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1 pinch): Another layer of heat and texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the broth its rich, silky smoothness.
- Chicken broth (5 cups): The comforting liquid foundation for the soup.
- Kale (2 cups, chopped): Adds color, nutrients, and a lovely slight bitterness that balances richness.
- Tortellini (2 cups, refrigerated or frozen): The pasta that makes this soup satisfyingly filling.
- Salt (to taste): To bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and the diced yellow onion, cooking them together until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step creates the flavorful base for your soup, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour
Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, while also helping to thicken the soup later on.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Now it’s time to build those layers of flavor. Add dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper if you want some heat, hot sauce for a spicy tang, mustard powder for subtle zest, plus black pepper and red pepper flakes. These spices and herbs meld beautifully with the sausage’s richness and set the tone for a warming bowl ahead.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Bring to Boil
Pour in your chicken broth while scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. Those little bits add tremendous flavor! Once the broth is incorporated, gently stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This creamy broth is what makes the soup so luxurious and satisfying.
Step 5: Simmer with Kale and Tortellini
Lower the heat to let the soup simmer. Stir in the chopped kale and tortellini, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the tortellini are tender but not mushy. The kale will soften but keep some bite, contributing a great texture contrast. Don’t forget to adjust the salt at this point to taste.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese can instantly elevate your bowl. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch more red pepper flakes adds an extra pop, making each bite exciting and inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines with a side of crusty artisan bread or garlic bread. The bread soaks up the creamy broth and makes the meal feel both rustic and wholly comforting. A fresh green salad can add brightness and a refreshing crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in deep bowls with a small ramekin of extra hot sauce on the side so your guests can customize the heat. For parties, consider mini soup cups as fun appetizers. Adding a swirl of pesto or dollop of ricotta on top can bring a gourmet twist that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made. If the soup thickens upon chilling, simply stir in a bit of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the texture of the tortellini may soften after freezing, so for the best results, consider freezing the soup without the tortellini and adding fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore its creamy texture. Reheat just until warmed through; overcooking can make the tortellini mushy.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Absolutely! Using mild sausage will still give you great flavor with less heat. If you want to keep some spice, just add a little extra cayenne or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
What kind of tortellini works best?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works wonderfully for this recipe, but frozen tortellini is a great time-saver and just as tasty. Avoid dried tortellini as it takes longer to cook and may not achieve the desired tenderness during the soup simmer.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Yes, you can swap kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Spinach wilts faster, so add it closer to serving time. Each green will lend its own flavor and texture to the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe uses flour to thicken the soup and traditional tortellini, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
With some modifications, yes! Use plant-based sausage substitutes and vegetable broth, replace heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and check your tortellini for egg or cheese ingredients. The spices and greens will still provide plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about this Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration in every bowl — warm, flavorful, and just a little bit spicy to keep things interesting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or indulging in some solo comfort food, give this recipe a try. I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups for cozy nights and happy gatherings.
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 and flavorful meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy, spiced broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to prepare in about 40 minutes and serves six generously.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
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
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 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 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.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.
- Add spices: Mix in the dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to evenly coat the sausage mixture with the seasonings.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and add greens and pasta: Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer. Then add the chopped kale and tortellini, simmering for 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the kale is wilted. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can use either mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Fresh or frozen tortellini both work; just adjust cooking time if using frozen.
- For a thicker soup, slightly increase the amount of flour or reduce the broth by half a cup.
- Omit cayenne and hot sauce if you prefer a milder soup.
- Adding crusty bread or a side salad makes this soup a complete meal.
