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This warming Sausage Tortellini Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh veggies, every spoonful feels like a hug!
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love whipping this up on a chilly night. It fills the house with amazing smells and tastes even better the next day!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Kale or Spinach: I love using kale for its robust texture, but you can easily substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. This will change the flavor slightly but stay delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best for flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan will do in a pinch. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for flavor. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly. Browning adds depth to the taste!
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook sausage, breaking it up, until it’s browned (5-7 minutes).
- Don’t rush this step; let it caramelize a bit for extra flavor.
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Warm and Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish! This includes around 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and let it sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This is where the delicious aroma begins!
Next, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nice and softened. Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, enjoying that heavenly garlic scent that fills the kitchen!
Here comes the heart of the soup! Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget those juices!). Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and bring everything to a gentle boil. Let those flavors mingle for a moment.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheese tortellini. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is cooked to perfection and delightfully tender.
Now it’s time for the greens! Add in the chopped kale (or spinach, if that’s your jam) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted and tender. Talk about a pop of color and nutrition!
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste—give it a little taste test and add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Serve your soup hot and don’t forget to top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your warm and hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup—it’s sure to warm your heart and belly!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether and add extra beans or lentils for protein.
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe until step 5, then let it cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove and add the kale or spinach just before serving to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tortellini’s texture, consider storing the soup and tortellini separately, if possible. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you add the onions, allowing them to soften before adding the liquids. This will add more flavor and nutrition to your soup.
