Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale

Introduction

Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful soup that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and nutrient-rich kale in a rich, aromatic broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.

The combination of tender pasta, smoky sausage, and earthy kale creates a well-balanced dish with layers of flavor and texture. It’s Italian-inspired, easy to prepare, and can be made in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for a healthy yet indulgent meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: The sausage adds a savory depth, while the tortellini provides comforting pasta goodness.
• Healthy twist: Kale adds vitamins, minerals, and a beautiful green color to balance the richness.
• One-pot meal: Easy to make in a single pot with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile: You can use fresh or frozen tortellini and adapt the vegetables to your liking.
• Family-friendly: Appealing to both kids and adults with familiar Italian flavors.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it brings together the perfect combination of hearty comfort and wholesome nutrition in one bowl:

1. Flavorful and Satisfying: The savory Italian sausage infuses the broth with rich, meaty flavor, while the cheese-filled tortellini adds tender, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Kale adds a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals, making this soup as nourishing as it is delicious.
3. Easy One-Pot Meal: It’s quick to make, minimal cleanup, and perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or quality.
4. Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spice, add vegetables, or swap proteins to suit your taste.
5. Comfort Food with a Twist: While it’s warm and comforting like classic soups, the addition of tortellini and kale elevates it into a restaurant-quality, family-friendly dish.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories (approx): 380 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Soup
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Kale: Stir in chopped kale and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly wilted.
5. Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh or frozen).
6. Combine Sausage: Return cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for 2 minutes.
7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown sausage in olive oil; remove from pot.
2. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Stir in chopped kale; simmer 3–5 minutes.
5. Add tortellini; cook until tender.
6. Return sausage to pot; heat through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh tortellini for a tender, soft texture; frozen works perfectly too.
• Wilt the kale slightly before adding pasta to maintain texture.
• Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage or adding more red pepper flakes.
• Simmer gently to keep tortellini from overcooking.
• For creamier soup, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Variations

• Vegetable-Loaded: Add carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Cheesy Tortellini: Use four-cheese tortellini for richer flavor.
• Tomato-Free Version: Use a creamy broth base instead of diced tomatoes for a creamy tortellini soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped red chili or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended with cooked tortellini, as pasta may become mushy. You can freeze soup before adding tortellini for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup; cook 3–5 minutes until tender.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables for heartiness.

Q3: Can I use pre-washed kale?
Yes, just chop into bite-sized pieces before adding.

Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare up to the stage before adding tortellini. Refrigerate, then add pasta when reheating.

Q5: Can I add cream to make it richer?
Yes, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with Italian-inspired goodness. With tender pasta, savory sausage, and nutrient-rich kale, this soup is both nourishing and indulgent. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves hearty soups with bold flavors.