Short Description
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with hearty sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, spicy broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and sure to warm you up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Hearty: Packed with sausage, tortellini, and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time make this a perfect weeknight dish.
- Spicy and Flavorful: The combination of sausage, tomatoes, and spices creates a bold taste.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins, vegetables, and spice levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Spinach or kale, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and let cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Finish with Cream and Greens: Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach or kale. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese, and enjoy hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit entirely.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace tortellini with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze soup without the tortellini for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup and cook a few extra minutes.
What’s the best way to make this soup less spicy?
Use mild sausage and omit red pepper flakes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Ravioli, gnocchi, or regular pasta work well.
How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to cook them longer to break them down.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with a gluten-free pasta.
What can I serve with this soup?
A crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a side salad pairs well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
How do I add more protein?
Add shredded chicken or white beans for an extra protein boost.
Conclusion
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a rich, comforting meal packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit. Try different variations and enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort!/
PrintSpicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy, spicy tomato broth. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale), chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened (2–3 minutes). Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt & black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Add the Tortellini & Spinach
- Add tortellini and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 1–2 more minutes, until wilted.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping!
Notes
- Want it extra spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Milder version: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Make it extra creamy: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese for a rich, silky texture.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days (the tortellini may absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating).
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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