Creamy, comforting, and loaded with juicy pork sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant kale, this one-pot soup comes together in under an hour for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will devour.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
– One-pot wonder: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
– Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
– Hearty and filling thanks to sausage, pasta, and veggies
– Easily customizable with your favorite greens or protein
– Perfect balance of creamy tomato broth and cheesy tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 9 ounce package three cheese tortellini
- 3 cups kale chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the ground pork sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. If there’s excess grease in the pot, carefully pour off all but about 1 tablespoon, leaving just enough fat to flavor the soup.
3. Return the pot to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the carrots begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic brown.
5. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 full minute, stirring constantly, to eliminate any raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring vigorously to prevent lumps. Add the can of tomato paste and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Add the three cheese tortellini and the reserved sausage back into the pot. Stir gently and simmer for 6–7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Fold in the chopped kale and simmer for 2–3 minutes more, until the kale is wilted and the soup takes on a creamy consistency.
10. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.
Pro Tips and Variations
• Use spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Swap kale for baby spinach or Swiss chard—add later so it doesn’t overcook.
• For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding broth.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the broth by 1 cup.
• To lighten it up, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (soup will be slightly thinner).
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty soup with:
– Crusty garlic bread or warm sourdough slices
– A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
– A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes
– Homemade focaccia for dipping
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Omit the heavy cream before freezing. Freeze soup in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream just before serving.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of kale to your preference. If the soup becomes too thick after sitting, stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use dry tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
Yes. Increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes and watch closely so they don’t overcook.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream.
Can I prep this soup ahead of time?
You can chop all veggies and measure spices a day ahead. Cook fully just before serving for best texture.
How can I make this spicier?
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic or top each bowl with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage tortellini soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a soul-warming meal that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers hearty, cheesy, and veggie-packed satisfaction every time. Enjoy!
