There’s nothing cozier than a bowl of hearty soup on a cool evening.

This kale sausage tortellini soup is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors that come together in under an hour.

With tender tortellini, savory sausage, and leafy kale, it’s a satisfying meal all on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a one-pot meal that’s hearty enough for dinner but easy enough for a weeknight.

The combination of sausage, cream, and cheese-filled tortellini makes it both comforting and flavorful.

Kale adds a fresh, slightly earthy bite that balances the richness of the broth.

It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Italian sausage gives the soup its savory, meaty base. You can choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Tortellini adds a cheesy, pillowy texture that makes the soup extra hearty.

Kale provides nutrients and color while softening into the broth.

Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety consistency in the soup.

Broth (chicken or vegetable) is the foundation, giving depth to every spoonful.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use fresh tortellini for the best texture; frozen works too but may need extra cooking time.

Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should be tender but still slightly firm.

Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor before adding vegetables.

If you like spice, use hot Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

How to Make Kale Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1 – Brown the sausage

Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 2 – Sauté the aromatics

Add onion, carrot, and garlic.

Cook about 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.

Step 3 – Add seasoning and flour

Sprinkle in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to thicken.

Step 4 – Build the broth

Slowly pour in broth and heavy cream.

Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5 – Cook the tortellini

Add tortellini directly into the simmering broth.

Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 6 – Add the kale

Stir in chopped kale. Simmer 2–3 minutes until just wilted but still vibrant.

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.

What to Serve Them With

Crusty bread or garlic bread makes the perfect side for dipping.

A crisp green salad balances the richness of the soup.

Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer a milder green.

Use turkey sausage instead of pork for a lighter option.

Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Try cheese ravioli instead of tortellini for a different twist.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as tortellini can soften too much if frozen.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup without tortellini. Add them just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the cream.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and swap sausage for plant-based sausage.

What type of kale works best?
Curly kale or lacinato (Tuscan) kale both hold up well in soup.

How spicy is this soup?
It depends on the sausage and red pepper flakes—adjust to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This kale sausage tortellini soup is the definition of cozy comfort food.

It’s filling, flavorful, and comes together in one pot, making cleanup easy.

Serve it with bread and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Kale Sausage Tortellini Soup

This Kale Sausage Tortellini Soup is a one-pot comfort meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. With savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and tender kale simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s the kind of cozy bowl you’ll want to curl up with on a chilly evening. Perfect for weeknight dinners, and it tastes even better the next day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 large carrot diced
• 2 cups kale cut into small pieces
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Dash of hot sauce
• 2 cups fresh tortellini

Method

 

1. In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in flour, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add tortellini and cook until al dente, following package directions.
6. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/kale-sausage-tortellini-soup/

Notes

• For a lighter soup, skip the cream and let the broth shine.
• You can swap kale for spinach if you prefer a milder green.
• This soup reheats beautifully, but cook tortellini separately if planning to store for more than a day (prevents it from getting mushy).