Short Description
This spicy sausage and tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish with bold flavors. Packed with tender tortellini, spicy sausage, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of bold and spicy flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly days
- Customizable with different vegetables and spice levels
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spicy Italian sausage
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, spinach, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Mild Version: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the heavy cream or use coconut milk.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap tortellini for cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 2 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
How do I make the soup less spicy?
Use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the sausage first, then add all ingredients except tortellini and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in tortellini and cream before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Simmer longer for a thicker consistency or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small pasta like orecchiette or rotini works well.
How can I add more protein?
Add shredded chicken or white beans.
What side dishes pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh salad complement it perfectly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but add the tortellini fresh when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.
How can I enhance the flavor?
A splash of white wine, extra garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes can add more depth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free tortellini or pasta alternatives.
Conclusion
Spicy sausage and tortellini soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you keep it spicy or adjust it to your taste, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
PrintSpicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish loaded with spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, zesty tomato broth. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly days and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (or mild if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add the Tortellini & Cream:
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh, longer for frozen).
- Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Finish with Spinach:
- Add spinach and let it wilt (1-2 minutes).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
- Prefer it less spicy? Use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.
- Make it vegetarian? Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Want it thicker? Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or let the soup simmer longer before adding the tortellini.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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