This Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect cozy comfort food for chilly nights or busy weeknights.
With tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, hearty kale, and a rich, creamy broth seasoned with herbs and spices—every spoonful is warm, comforting, and absolutely satisfying.
It’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent but comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pot meal – Easy to cook and clean
Creamy and comforting – Rich broth, soft pasta, and savory sausage
Customizable – Use your favorite greens, sausage, or pasta
Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
Freezer-friendly – Great for batch cooking
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Italian sausage – Hot or mild for deep, savory flavor
Onion + garlic – Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base
Flour – Slightly thickens the creamy broth
Seasonings – Basil, oregano, cayenne, mustard powder, and hot sauce add layers of flavor
Chicken broth + heavy cream – Create the rich and hearty soup base
Kale – Adds texture, nutrients, and color
Tortellini – Cheese-stuffed pasta that cooks in minutes
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use high-quality sausage – Great sausage = great soup
Chop kale small – For easier bites and better texture
Refrigerated tortellini cooks faster – Frozen may need extra simmer time
Stir while adding cream – Helps prevent curdling
Let it rest a few minutes – Flavors settle and deepen as it cools slightly
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown Sausage
Cook 1 lb sausage and 1 diced onion over medium-high heat for 8–10 mins.
Drain grease. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, cook 1 min.
Step 2: Add Flour & Spices
Stir in 3 tbsp flour, cook 1–2 mins.
Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in 5 cups chicken broth, scraping the pot bottom.
Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Kale and Tortellini
Add 2 cups chopped kale and 2 cups tortellini.
Simmer 3–5 minutes, until tortellini is tender and kale is wilted.
If using frozen tortellini, add it a few minutes before the kale.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Season with salt to taste—start with ¼ tsp and adjust.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
What to Serve with Tortellini Soup
Garlic bread with cheese – Perfect for dipping
Side salad – Lightens the meal
Roasted vegetables – Add balance and nutrition
Crusty baguette – For soaking up that rich broth
Parmesan or chili flakes – For topping
Variations & Substitutions
Use spinach – Swap for kale if preferred
Make it spicy – Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes
Try chicken sausage – For a lighter version
Use gnocchi or ravioli – In place of tortellini
Make it dairy-free – Use full-fat coconut milk and skip cheese tortellini
Storage & Freezing Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without tortellini to avoid mushiness)
Reheat gently: On the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream
Make ahead tip: Cook without tortellini; add fresh when reheating for best texture
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add it a few minutes earlier than fresh to ensure it cooks through.
Can I skip the cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
What kind of sausage is best?
Mild or hot Italian sausage works great.
You can also use sweet or chicken sausage.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Add more flour at the start, or let it simmer longer uncovered.
Can I use a different green instead of kale?
Yes—baby spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole are great options.
Will the tortellini get soggy in leftovers?
It softens over time. For best results, cook and store it separately if meal prepping.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written—but use gluten-free flour and tortellini for an alternative version.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a cozy, creamy dinner: savory, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavor.
It’s fast, filling, and endlessly comforting—perfect for soup season or anytime you need a warm, one-pot meal.
