Okay, so picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re snuggled up on the couch, and you need something warm, comforting, and *seriously* satisfying. That, my friends, is where this incredible Sausage Tortellini Soup comes in! Trust me, this isn’t just any soup; it’s the kind that hugs you from the inside out. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there, and it’s become a total weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and honestly, just makes everyone happy. We’re talking savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, tomatoey broth that just screams cozy. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that delivers big on taste, you’ve found your new go-to Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup
Seriously, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is a keeper for so many reasons! It’s become a total staple in my house, and I bet it will in yours too. Here’s the lowdown on why it’s just the best:
- It’s ridiculously easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious without a fuss.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of savory sausage, sweet tomatoes, and herbs is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Super hearty and filling: This isn’t a watery soup; it’s a meal in a bowl! The tortellini and sausage make sure of that.
- Cozy comfort food: It’s the ultimate bowl of warmth on a cold day, but honestly, I make it year-round because it’s that good.
- Kid-friendly (usually!): My picky eaters even devour this Sausage Tortellini Soup, especially if I go easy on the red pepper flakes.
Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this amazing Sausage Tortellini Soup! You don’t need anything fancy here, just good, honest stuff. Grab these goodies, and you’ll be well on your way to soup bliss:
- 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage (you can go hot if you’re feeling brave!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is always best!)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is fine!)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (totally optional, but I love a little kick!)
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but oh-so-good for richness!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (makes it pretty!)
Equipment Needed for Sausage Tortellini Soup
You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this Sausage Tortellini Soup, which is another reason it’s so great! Just a few basics from your kitchen will do the trick. Make sure you have a nice, big pot – a Dutch oven is perfect if you have one, but any large soup pot will work. You’ll also need a good wooden spoon or sturdy spatula for breaking up the sausage, measuring spoons and cups, a knife and cutting board for your veggies, and a ladle for serving up all that goodness. That’s really it!
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Sausage Tortellini Soup is super straightforward, and the whole house is going to smell amazing while you do it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of comfort in no time.
Browning the Sausage
First things first, grab your big pot or Dutch oven. Put it over medium heat and toss in your bulk Italian sausage. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up into nice, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. You want it all browned up and no pink left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any extra grease. You want the flavor, not all that fat floating around!
Building the Flavor Base
Don’t wipe out the pot! Those little bits of sausage left behind are packed with flavor. Now, add in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around with the sausage and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften up a bit. They don’t need to be completely tender yet, just getting a head start. Next, add in your minced garlic. Give it a quick stir and cook for just one minute more – you’ll smell it getting fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
Simmering the Sausage Tortellini Soup
Now it’s time to make it soup! Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and all that chicken broth. Add your dried basil, oregano, and those red pepper flakes if you’re using them for a little warmth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to a simmer. Pop a lid on it and let it bubble gently for at least 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens – all those flavors get to hang out and become best friends, making your Sausage Tortellini Soup truly sing!
Adding the Tortellini
Okay, the soup base is smelling incredible. Now for the good stuff! Toss your refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the simmering soup. Give it a gentle stir so they don’t stick together. Cook them just according to the package directions – usually, this is only about 3-5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them!
Finishing Touches for Your Sausage Tortellini Soup
Almost there! If you want that extra layer of richness, pour in the heavy cream now. Stir it in gently until it’s combined and the soup is heated through. Make sure you don’t let it boil after adding the cream! Now is the time to taste your Sausage Tortellini Soup. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right to you. Remember, the broth and sausage already have some salt, so add a little at a time. Ladle this glorious soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Tortellini Soup
Want to take your Sausage Tortellini Soup from great to *OMG amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these make a difference!
- Sausage Choice Matters: I usually use mild Italian sausage because it’s a crowd-pleaser, but if you love a little heat, definitely go for hot Italian sausage! It adds such a nice kick.
- Veggie Power: Don’t feel limited to just onion, carrot, and celery. This Sausage Tortellini Soup is super forgiving! Toss in some chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach or kale towards the end.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste, taste, taste! Before you add salt and pepper, give the soup a taste after it’s simmered. Broths and sausages vary in saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more basil or oregano if you feel it needs it.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: This is crucial! Tortellini cook really fast, especially the refrigerated kind. Add them right before you’re ready to serve and cook just until they’re tender. Mushy tortellini are a no-go!
- Let it Simmer: That 15-minute simmer time (or longer!) really lets the flavors develop. Don’t rush this step in your Sausage Tortellini Soup – it’s worth the wait!
Sausage Tortellini Soup Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this Sausage Tortellini Soup is how easy it is to play around with! You can totally make it your own. If you’re not a fan of pork sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead. You could even use spicy chorizo for a totally different but delicious twist! Want more veggies? Stir in some fresh spinach or chopped kale in the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts. No tortellini on hand? Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo work great too, just cook them according to their package directions. This Sausage Tortellini Soup is happy to adapt!
Storing and Reheating Sausage Tortellini Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Sausage Tortellini Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready for another bowl of comfort, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot all the way through. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water if it’s thickened up a lot. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Tortellini Soup
Okay, I know you might have a few questions bubbling up about this Sausage Tortellini Soup. That’s totally fine! Here are some common things people ask me when they make this cozy soup:
Q: Can I freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup?
A: You *can*, but honestly, I don’t recommend freezing soup with pasta in it. The tortellini can get a bit mushy when thawed and reheated. If you want to freeze it, I’d suggest making the soup base (steps 1-5) and freezing that. Then, thaw it, bring it back to a simmer, and add fresh tortellini right before serving. That way, your tortellini will be perfectly tender!
Q: What kind of tortellini should I use?
A: I usually use refrigerated cheese tortellini because they cook quickly and have a great texture. You could also use frozen tortellini; just cook them according to the package directions, which might take a minute or two longer. Dried tortellini will also work, but the cooking time will be longer.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! This is a super versatile Sausage Tortellini Soup. As I mentioned before, spinach or kale are great additions – stir them in at the very end until they wilt. Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even some frozen peas tossed in during the last few minutes would be delicious too! Get creative!
Q: Is this Sausage Tortellini Soup spicy?
A: That depends on the sausage you use and if you add the red pepper flakes! If you use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes, it will be very mild. Using hot Italian sausage or adding the flakes will give it a nice kick. You can control the heat level easily!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so while I’m definitely more focused on how delicious this Sausage Tortellini Soup tastes and how happy it makes everyone feel, I know some of you like to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things! Just remember, these numbers are estimates and can totally vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the type of sausage, broth, or if you add cream). Think of this as a general idea of what you’re getting with each cozy bowl. Based on roughly 6 servings of this recipe, you’re looking at something like this per serving:
- Calories: Around 450
- Sugar: About 8g
- Sodium: Roughly 1100mg (using low-sodium broth helps here!)
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Around 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35g
- Fiber: About 5g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Around 70mg
Again, this is just an estimate! But it gives you a little peek at the goodness packed into this hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup.
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Amazing Sausage Tortellini Soup in 1 Pot
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and flavorful soup with sausage, tortellini, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, if desired, and heat through. Do not boil after adding cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute hot Italian sausage for mild if you prefer more heat.
- Add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: sausage soup, tortellini soup, Italian soup, hearty soup