The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup

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Image Source: Unsplash

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Are you craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup? Look no further than Sausage Tortellini Soup. This creamy and flavorful dish is the perfect combination of sausage, kale, simple seasonings, broth, and cream. It's a 30-minute meal that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress your family and friends.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Pro Tips
5. Variations
6. Storage
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Tools for This Recipe
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Nutritional Information
11. Testimonials
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a classic dish that brings together the richness of Italian sausage, the earthiness of kale, and the creaminess of tortellini. It's a one-pot meal that is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home. The combination of flavors and textures in this soup will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

To make this delicious soup, you will 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, just under 10 oz. (refrigerated or frozen)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Sausage Tortellini Soup:

1. In a large pot, cook and crumble the Italian sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add the dried basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine the flavors.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot and incorporate any browned bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Add the chopped kale and tortellini to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through. If your tortellini requires a longer cooking time, add it to the pot first and then add the kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Taste the soup and add salt if desired. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
9. Transfer the soup to serving bowls and garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Image Source: Thecozycook

Image Source: Thecozycook

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to enhance the flavor and customize your Sausage Tortellini Soup:

• For an extra burst of flavor, add the rind from a block of Parmesan or Romano cheese when adding the broth. Allow it to simmer and infuse the soup with its rich taste. Remove the rind before serving.
• If you don't have kale on hand, you can substitute it with 2-3 cups of spinach. Stir it in once the tortellini is cooked and let it wilt for about 30 seconds. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the soup.
• Experiment with different types of tortellini, such as cheese-filled, meat-filled, or a combination of both, to add variety to your soup.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, use a hot Italian sausage or add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.

Variations

While the classic Sausage Tortellini Soup is delicious on its own, you can also customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Increase the amount of vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to add more flavor and texture.
2. Creamy Tomato Base: Add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the soup for a tangy twist. This will give your soup a creamy tomato base that complements the sausage and tortellini.
3. Mediterranean Flavors: Swap the Italian sausage for Greek or Mediterranean-style sausage and add ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
4. Thai-Inspired: Replace the Italian sausage with Thai-style sausage and add Thai spices like lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of vibrant flavors.

Storage

If you have leftovers or want to make a bigger batch, Sausage Tortellini Soup can be easily stored for future enjoyment. Follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini will continue to absorb the broth during storage, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.
• Freezing: To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread with Cheese: Serve the soup alongside a warm and crusty slice of garlic bread topped with melted cheese. The combination of flavors and textures will make your meal even more satisfying.
• Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette and serve it with butter or olive oil for dipping into the soup. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the bread will complement the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: Pair your Sausage Tortellini Soup with a light and refreshing side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup.

Tools for This Recipe

To make the process of creating Sausage Tortellini Soup a breeze, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• 4-quart Soup Pot: This pot is the perfect size for making the soup and allows for even heat distribution.
• Food Storage Containers: Invest in leak-proof, microwave-safe containers that can hold approximately 1 cup of soup. These containers will make storing and reheating leftovers a breeze.
• Kitchen Scale: If you prefer to weigh your ingredients, a kitchen scale will come in handy, especially when measuring the sausage.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for a well-balanced soup. Make sure you have measuring spoons to measure out the seasonings.
• Pinch Bowls: Prepare your seasonings ahead of time and keep them in small pinch bowls for easy access when it's time to add them to the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini can be used as a substitute for refrigerated tortellini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and onions on the stovetop, then transfer everything except for the cream, tortellini, and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Add the kale towards the end and allow it to heat up for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the cream and add the cooked tortellini to serving bowls.

3. Can I use spinach instead of kale? Absolutely! If you don't have kale on hand, you can substitute it with 2-3 cups of fresh spinach. Stir it in once the tortellini is cooked and let it wilt for about 30 seconds. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the soup.

4. How can I make this soup spicier? If you prefer a spicier soup, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving (1 cup) of Sausage Tortellini Soup:

• Calories: 314 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 836mg
• Potassium: 318mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 1736IU
• Vitamin C: 26mg
• Calcium: 86mg
• Iron: 2mg

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it! Here are some testimonials from people who have tried and loved our Sausage Tortellini Soup:

• "This was soooo good, you were right about the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.....was an amazing soup!" - Karen
• "Excellent! Easy recipe, house smells great, family devoured it." - Laurie
• "WOW! What amazing comfort food for a cold winter day! This is easy to make and so tasty. My daughter asked me to add it to our dinner rotation. We kept the mustard and the hot sauce, and it was simply perfect. No leftovers!!!" - Elena
• "Holy banana!!!! This is so delicious. I absolutely love it and can't wait to cook it for other people besides myself 😉. I added Parmesan cheese and used cheese/bacon tortellini. I added a dash of white wine vinegar too. It has the perfect level of spice and creaminess. I definitely recommend." - Krissy

Conclusion

Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, kale, tortellini, and a creamy broth. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this soup will impress and satisfy everyone's cravings. So grab a pot and get ready to indulge in a bowl of deliciousness!