Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 small yellow onion diced; 3 garlic cloves minced; 3 tbsp flour; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp oregano; Pinch cayenne optional; 1 tsp hot sauce; ½ tsp mustard powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy cream; 5 cups chicken broth; 2 cups chopped kale; 2 cups cheese tortellini refrigerated or frozen; Salt to taste

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect cozy comfort food for chilly nights or busy weeknights.

With tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, hearty kale, and a rich, creamy broth seasoned with herbs and spices—every spoonful is warm, comforting, and absolutely satisfying.

It’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent but comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot meal – Easy to cook and clean

Creamy and comforting – Rich broth, soft pasta, and savory sausage

Customizable – Use your favorite greens, sausage, or pasta

Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day

Freezer-friendly – Great for batch cooking

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Italian sausage – Hot or mild for deep, savory flavor

Onion + garlic – Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base

Flour – Slightly thickens the creamy broth

Seasonings – Basil, oregano, cayenne, mustard powder, and hot sauce add layers of flavor

Chicken broth + heavy cream – Create the rich and hearty soup base

Kale – Adds texture, nutrients, and color

Tortellini – Cheese-stuffed pasta that cooks in minutes

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use high-quality sausage – Great sausage = great soup

Chop kale small – For easier bites and better texture

Refrigerated tortellini cooks faster – Frozen may need extra simmer time

Stir while adding cream – Helps prevent curdling

Let it rest a few minutes – Flavors settle and deepen as it cools slightly

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage
Cook 1 lb sausage and 1 diced onion over medium-high heat for 8–10 mins.

Drain grease. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, cook 1 min.

Step 2: Add Flour & Spices
Stir in 3 tbsp flour, cook 1–2 mins.

Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream

Pour in 5 cups chicken broth, scraping the pot bottom.

Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini

Add 2 cups chopped kale and 2 cups tortellini.

Simmer 3–5 minutes, until tortellini is tender and kale is wilted.

If using frozen tortellini, add it a few minutes before the kale.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Season with salt to taste—start with ¼ tsp and adjust.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

What to Serve with Tortellini Soup

Garlic bread with cheese – Perfect for dipping

Side salad – Lightens the meal

Roasted vegetables – Add balance and nutrition

Crusty baguette – For soaking up that rich broth

Parmesan or chili flakes – For topping

Variations & Substitutions

Use spinach – Swap for kale if preferred

Make it spicy – Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Try chicken sausage – For a lighter version

Use gnocchi or ravioli – In place of tortellini

Make it dairy-free – Use full-fat coconut milk and skip cheese tortellini

Storage & Freezing Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without tortellini to avoid mushiness)

Reheat gently: On the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream

Make ahead tip: Cook without tortellini; add fresh when reheating for best texture

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add it a few minutes earlier than fresh to ensure it cooks through.

Can I skip the cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.

What kind of sausage is best?
Mild or hot Italian sausage works great.

You can also use sweet or chicken sausage.

How do I thicken the soup more?
Add more flour at the start, or let it simmer longer uncovered.

Can I use a different green instead of kale?
Yes—baby spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole are great options.

Will the tortellini get soggy in leftovers?
It softens over time. For best results, cook and store it separately if meal prepping.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written—but use gluten-free flour and tortellini for an alternative version.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a cozy, creamy dinner: savory, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavor.

It’s fast, filling, and endlessly comforting—perfect for soup season or anytime you need a warm, one-pot meal.