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