There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a steaming bowl of homemade soup—and this Spicy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the perfect example. Hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 45 minutes, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
With savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy broth infused with herbs and spices, every spoonful delivers cozy comfort and bold flavor. This recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve at a casual dinner with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty & Comforting: Loaded with sausage, pasta, and kale, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Flavor-Packed: A mix of herbs, spices, and cream creates a rich, savory broth with just the right amount of heat.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite greens, tortellini, or spice level.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp oregano
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (about 10 oz, refrigerated or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the sausage with the diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened (about 8–10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Build the flavor base
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring well, and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Season the broth
Mix in the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the sausage mixture.
Step 4: Create the soup base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
Step 5: Add greens and pasta
Stir in the kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Taste and season with salt as needed.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Recipe Notes & Variations
- Greens Swap: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole instead of kale.
- Make It Milder: Omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes if you prefer a less spicy version.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Creamy: Add an extra splash of cream or top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with:
- A warm loaf of garlic bread or fresh baguette
- A simple green salad for balance
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~410 per serving
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s bold, creamy, and filling—exactly what you need when you’re craving comfort food. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, this soup will quickly earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation.