Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty kielbasa tortellini soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, comforting blend of flavors.

Polish sausage adds a smoky depth that transforms this simple dish into something extraordinary.

Cheese-filled tortellini create delightful pockets of creamy goodness throughout each spoonful.

Vegetables mingle beautifully with tender meat and pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together in one pot.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a quick, delicious meal.

Take a journey through robust flavors that promise to satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Kielbasa Soup

  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Brown kielbasa thoroughly before removing from pot to develop rich, caramelized flavor notes that enhance the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Vegetable Timing Trick: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup base.
  • Seasoning Secret: Crush dried Italian seasoning between fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and boost overall soup complexity.
  • Greens Preservation Hack: Add spinach or kale at the very end of cooking to maintain vibrant color, fresh texture, and maximum nutritional value.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap kielbasa with smoked turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for lighter or vegetarian versions without compromising soup's robust character.

Keeping and Reheating Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

  • Store leftover Kielbasa Tortellini Soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
  • Pour soup into a pot, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium heat until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Tortellini Kielbasa Soup

  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, smoky kielbasa and cuts through the hearty soup's complexity.
  • Serve a rustic sourdough or garlic-rubbed ciabatta bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's warmth and depth.
  • Choose a malty amber ale or German-style lager that echoes the kielbasa's smoky notes and stands up to the soup's robust ingredients.

Variations to Try with Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains hearty flavor and protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or replace with gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping the soup's core essence.
  • Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles, and increase protein by adding more kielbasa or white beans for a lighter, nutrient-dense alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Mediterranean: Omit Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and add herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the soup's complexity while maintaining dietary restrictions.

Reasons to Love Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

  • Prepare this hearty soup in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
  • Kielbasa and tortellini combine to create a filling meal that provides substantial nutrition and warmth during chilly evenings.
  • Easily swap greens, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.

What Goes into Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

Meat:
  • Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage that adds rich flavor and protein to the soup. Look for high-quality smoked variety for best taste.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates depth and aromatic foundation. Fresh, firm vegetables provide better texture and flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor to the soup. Fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.
  • Spinach or Kale: Fresh green that adds nutrition and color. Choose crisp, dark green leaves.
Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base that provides soup's primary flavor. Low-sodium option allows better seasoning control.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and slight sweetness to the soup. Canned tomatoes with their juice work perfectly.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and searing kielbasa. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance overall soup complexity. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes soup hearty and satisfying. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best.
Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds finishing touch. Freshly grated provides superior flavor.

Steps to Prepare Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a hefty pot over medium heat. Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until golden brown, flipping sides to create a beautiful caramelized exterior. Scoop out the kielbasa and set aside.

Step 2: Veggie Transformation

In the same pot with leftover kielbasa drippings, add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté until vegetables soften and develop a tender texture. Sprinkle minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Liquid Magic

Pour into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes with juice
Blend in seasonings:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Tortellini Dance

Lower heat to medium. Drop tortellini into the simmering broth. Cook until pasta becomes tender and plump, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Reintroduce the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in fresh greens:
  • Spinach
  • Kale (optional)

Allow greens to wilt for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

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Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty kielbasa tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Polish sausage with cheesy pasta and rich broth. Warm, satisfying spoonfuls promise delicious comfort that invites you to savor each nourishing bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 12 ounces (340 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Extras:

  • 2 cups (about 8 ounces / 225 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sizzle sliced kielbasa in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium flame until golden-brown edges develop, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned sausage onto a separate plate using a perforated utensil.
  2. Utilize the identical pot to sauté aromatic vegetable medley – onions, carrots, and celery – until they soften and become translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrance to permeate, stirring continuously for an additional minute.
  3. Create the soup’s liquid foundation by pouring chicken broth and incorporating diced tomatoes with their natural juices. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state.
  4. Reduce cooking temperature to medium and gently introduce tortellini. Allow the pasta to simmer and become tender, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
  5. Reintroduce the previously browned kielbasa into the simmering liquid. Integrate fresh leafy greens like spinach or kale, allowing them to wilt gracefully for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Distribute the hearty soup into serving vessels. Crown each portion with a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Perfectly brown kielbasa by patting it dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, caramelized exterior that adds depth of flavor to the soup.
  • Choose fresh or frozen tortellini based on preference, but fresh typically provides a more tender texture and authentic taste.
  • Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s robust profile.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt gradually during cooking to suit individual health needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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