Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

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
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup 10 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.

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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned.
  2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup 11 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.

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!

Print
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Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 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

Units Scale
  • 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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