Cozy Hearty Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty spicy sausage and tortellini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Cold evenings call for something rich and satisfying.

Robust Italian sausage brings deep, spicy notes to this soul-warming recipe.

Tender cheese tortellini float like little pillows of deliciousness throughout the broth.

Aromatic herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to every spoonful.

Packed with protein and flavor, this soup transforms a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this comforting classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Ingredients

• Italian Sausage: Bold, spicy meat that forms the hearty foundation of the soup, choose fresh ground sausage with visible herbs and fat marbling for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that infuses depth and creates a rich, comforting soup, select low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and complexity, look for firm, bright white or yellow bulbs.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth, select plump, firm cloves without sprouts.
• Baby Spinach, Kale: Fresh greens that add vibrant color and nutritional boost, choose crisp, bright leaves without wilting.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Fiery ingredient that sparks heat and excitement, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides authentic Mediterranean character, select a mix with visible dried herbs.
• Fresh Basil: Fragrant garnish that delivers bright, peppery finish, choose leaves with deep green color.

• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy base that creates slight acidity and texture, opt for fire-roasted varieties for deeper flavor.
• Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with cheesy goodness, select fresh or frozen for optimal tenderness.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that smooths and enriches soup's texture, choose high-quality, fresh cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty garnish that elevates overall taste, select freshly grated for best melting.

Kitchen Tools for Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting board: Needed for any preliminary chopping of vegetables or herbs.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into individual bowls.
• Cheese grater: Used for grating fresh Parmesan cheese as a garnish.

Instructions for Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

• Brown the Meat

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drop in Italian sausage and crumble while cooking until beautifully caramelized. Drain excess fat, keeping a touch for delicious flavor.

• Develop the Base

Toss chopped onions into the pot, letting them soften and become translucent. Quickly mix in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and aromatic Italian herbs. Let the spices dance and release their incredible fragrance.

• Create the Liquid Foundation

Pour in diced tomatoes and rich chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle bubbling state. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for about 10 minutes.

• Add Pasta and Greens

Slide tortellini into the simmering soup. Cook until tender – fresh pasta needs less time than frozen. Swirl in heavy cream and drop handfuls of fresh spinach or kale, watching them wilt beautifully.

• Final Touches

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, tear fresh basil leaves on top, and dust with extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

• Serve and Enjoy

Accompany the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast perfect for dunking. Savor every warming, spicy spoonful!

Tips & Tricks for Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Soup Savvy Techniques
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base without tortellini and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add tortellini just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent soggy pasta.
• Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild flavor or go bold with extra flakes for serious heat lovers.
• Protein Power: Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter protein options. Each alternative brings unique flavor profiles to the soup.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency. These alternatives add subtle nutty undertones.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers in the soup.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Rustic Bread Companions: Grab a crusty sourdough or warm garlic baguette to soak up the rich, spicy broth and complement the hearty soup's flavors.
• Cozy Cheese Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or crumble some fresh mozzarella on top for a creamy, melty finish that adds depth and richness to each spoonful.
• Fresh Green Accents: Chop some fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the soup's robust profile and add a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the soup's spicy sausage and creamy tortellini notes, creating a perfect dinner experience.

Soup Storage and Meal Planning Tips

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Quick Batch Prep: Double the recipe and portion soup into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and meal preppers.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Safely store soup in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Keep tortellini and liquid separate from garnishes to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze soup base without tortellini and cream for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, then add fresh tortellini and cream for best taste and consistency.
• Ingredient Rotation Hack: Swap sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. Experiment with different tortellini fillings like cheese, mushroom, or spinach to keep meals exciting and prevent flavor fatigue.

Hearty Spicy Sausage And Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty spicy sausage and tortellini soup brings comfort during cold winter nights. Robust Italian flavors combine with tender pasta and savory meat, creating a satisfying meal that you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 can (14 oz/396 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (9 oz/255 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sauteing)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium flame, creating an optimal cooking environment for the robust flavors to develop.
2. Sausage Foundations: Crumble Italian sausage into the pot, browning thoroughly and breaking apart with a wooden spoon to create caramelized edges and release deep, meaty flavors.
3. Aromatic Base: Drain excess fat, leaving a thin layer, then sauté onions until translucent and add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring vigorously to awaken their intense aromatics.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Pasta and Greens Incorporation: Add tortellini to the simmering liquid, cooking until plump, then introduce baby spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt and meld into the soup’s rich landscape.
6. Creamy Finishing: Stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture, and conduct a final seasoning adjustment with salt and black pepper.
7. Serving Flourish: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or garlic toast.

Notes

• Control Sausage Fat: Drain most of the rendered fat after browning to prevent an overly greasy soup, but keep a thin layer for deeper flavor complexity.
• Tortellini Timing: Add tortellini near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain tender and maintain their delicate cheese-filled texture.
• Cream Integration Technique: Temper heavy cream by slowly stirring it into the hot soup to prevent curdling, creating a smooth and silky consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage for vegetarian version, use gluten-free tortellini for celiac-friendly alternative, and substitute dairy-free cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg