Cozy Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort meets bold flavors in this hearty spicy sausage and tortellini soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Aromatic herbs dance with robust sausage chunks, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful.

Soft tortellini nestled in a rich, zesty broth will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Unexpected spice notes weave through the soup, delivering a gentle kick that lingers pleasantly.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of complex flavor profiles.

I challenge you to savor this soul-satisfying meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Soup Tips for Heat and Creaminess

• Control Grease Wisely: Remove excess fat from sausage but keep a tablespoon for rich flavor depth.
• Spice Level Management: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance; start with less and add gradually.
• Tortellini Timing Matters: Cook tortellini precisely according to package instructions to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Cream Addition Technique: Stir heavy cream gently at the end to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky consistency.
• Green Veggie Flexibility: Swap spinach or kale with Swiss chard or arugula for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve with This Soup

• Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the spicy sausage and cuts through the creamy soup.
• Toasted, crispy garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy texture and absorbs the rich, flavorful broth wonderfully.
• Create a light mixed green salad with arugula, basil, and parsley to balance the soup's hearty, spicy profile and add brightness.
• A cold, light beer like a Czech-style pilsner offers a refreshing contrast to the soup's rich and spicy elements.

Recipe Variations for This Flavor Combo

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or hearty lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Zinger: Swap cheese tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or replace with zucchini noodles. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Power Soup: Eliminate tortellini and use cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles. Keep protein high by adding extra sausage or grilled chicken chunks for satisfying texture.
• Mediterranean Spinoff: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo. Add cannellini beans, swap spinach for arugula, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Tortellini Soup FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, turkey sausage, or ground beef for a different flavor profile.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less according to your preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked white beans, extra cheese tortellini, or top with shredded rotisserie chicken to increase the protein content.

Why This Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Works

• Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Packed with hearty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and tender greens, this recipe satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich, warming flavors.
• Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage, choose between spinach or kale, and adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making it incredibly flexible.
• Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and depth to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base that adds savory background to the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese for garnishing with classic Italian flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build the soup's flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy, bright acidity and chunky texture.
• Baby Spinach, Kale: Fresh greens that add nutrition and color to the soup.

• Cheese Tortellini: Stuffed pasta that makes the soup hearty and filling.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds spicy kick and warmth to the soup.

• Black Pepper: For final seasoning and subtle heat.
• Salt: To enhance overall flavor balance.
• Fresh Basil: Optional herb for bright, fresh garnish.

How to Prepare This Spicy Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in sausage and break it down with a wooden spoon until it transforms into golden, crispy bits. Drain excess fat, keeping a touch for deep flavor.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir and let the fragrance bloom for half a minute.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Blend everything together and bring to a gentle bubble. Lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce the Tortellini

Drop tortellini into the simmering liquid. Cook until tender- about 5 minutes for fresh, 8 for frozen.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Greens

• Heavy cream
• Baby spinach or kale

Let the greens wilt for 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil
• Extra red pepper flakes

Accompany with crusty bread or garlic toast. Enjoy immediately!

Spicy Sausage And Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “spicy sausage and tortellini soup” delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust Italian flavors with zesty warmth. Spice-lovers will savor each satisfying spoonful of this quick, one-pot wonder that promises delicious comfort on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed (or mild sausage + red pepper flakes)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sauteing)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 package (9 ounces/255 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra red pepper flakes (if you love the heat!)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a spacious cooking vessel over medium thermal intensity to create an ideal cooking environment.
2. Crumble the robust Italian sausage into the pot, allowing it to brown and develop rich caramelized edges while breaking apart with a wooden utensil.
3. Carefully drain excess rendered fat, preserving a thin layer for enhanced flavor depth.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, fiery red pepper flakes, and aromatic Italian seasoning, stirring quickly to release their vibrant essence.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and savory chicken broth, creating a harmonious liquid base for the soup.
7. Elevate the mixture to a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Gently slide cheese-filled tortellini into the simmering liquid, cooking until they become plump and tender.
9. Enrich the soup with luxurious heavy cream, creating a velvety texture and rounding out the flavor profile.
10. Delicately fold in fresh baby spinach or kale, allowing the verdant greens to wilt and integrate into the soup.
11. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting with salt and freshly ground black pepper to achieve perfect balance.
12. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation.
13. Embellish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, torn fragrant basil leaves, and an optional extra dash of red pepper flakes.
14. Present alongside crusty artisan bread or golden garlic toast for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier versions.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and gradually increase for personalized heat.
• Choose fresh tortellini from refrigerated section for superior texture and faster cooking compared to frozen varieties.
• Balance cream’s richness by using half-and-half or milk for lighter soup without compromising flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg