The Best Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming with robust flavors, this hearty sausage and tortellini soup delivers a spicy kick that warms you from the inside out.

Chunky Italian sausage mingles with tender cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, aromatic broth.

Bright herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes add depth to every comforting spoonful.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying, and this soup answers that call with style.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy households craving a delicious meal.

Fresh ingredients transform this simple soup into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tortellini Soup: Mix It Up Variations

• Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream and select spicy sausage without added sugars to keep carbohydrate content minimal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for thickening and select gluten-free tortellini. Ensure all spices and sausage are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

Serve Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup Hot

• Hearty Companion Plate: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the delicious, spicy broth.
• Cooling Sidekick: Pair with a crisp garden salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and spicy flavors.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or sharp aged cheddar on top for an extra layer of creamy, tangy goodness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup's robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips For Tortellini Soup Leftovers

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini for best texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Spicy Italian sausage or hot ground pork sausage provides the most flavor and matches the soup’s spicy profile, enhancing the overall taste and heat level.

• Is this soup considered spicy?

Yes, the soup has a moderate to high heat level from cayenne pepper, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and spicy sausage. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting some of the hot ingredients.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can partially prepare the soup by cooking the sausage and creating the base. Add tortellini and kale just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their texture.

Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup: What Makes It Cozy

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Dive into a flavor-packed soup that combines hearty sausage with soft tortellini, creating a warming dish perfect for satisfying hunger and craving something bold.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious meal in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Kick: Easily adjust the heat level by playing with cayenne, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy their perfect bowl.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience with this single-pot recipe that brings together protein, pasta, and greens in one delightful, nutritious meal.

Ingredient Checklist For Tortellini Soup

• Spicy Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides rich, hearty taste and heat to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that creates a savory base for the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, smooth texture and rich flavor to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Essential ingredients that build a deep, aromatic flavor foundation for the soup.
• Kale: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits.

• Tortellini: A delicious stuffed pasta that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.

• Basil, Oregano, Cayenne, Hot Sauce, Mustard Powder, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that creates a complex, spicy, and robust flavor profile.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth, rich consistency.

How To Make Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

In a large pot, brown the sausage and chop the onions together over medium-high heat.

Cook until onions turn translucent and sausage is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain any extra grease from the pan.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and stir quickly for one minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Dust with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, eliminating the raw flour taste and creating a thickening base.

Step 4: Spice Up the Flavor

• Basil
• Oregano
• Cayenne
• Hot sauce
• Mustard powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Build the Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula to capture all the delicious browned bits.

Slowly blend in heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Introduce Greens and Pasta

Drop in kale and tortellini, allowing them to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the pasta becomes tender.

Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Chef’s Tricks For Tortellini Soup Success

• Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice level.
• Use lean sausage or turkey sausage to lower the dish's overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for increased nutrition and texture.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce total preparation time.

Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup brings comforting Italian flavors to your winter table. Simmering with robust sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato base, this soul-warming dish delivers bold spice and satisfying warmth you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 ounces/283 grams)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups kale (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté sausage and onions over medium-high heat at 375°F, breaking meat into crumbles until onions soften and meat is fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat from the pot, then add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Dust the meat mixture with flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a thickening base.
4. Incorporate a blend of herbs and spices including basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, using a silicone spatula to deglaze and scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
6. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Add chopped kale and tortellini, allowing the soup to simmer for 3-5 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and serve immediately for optimal temperature and taste.

Notes

• Choose ground sausage with a spice level that matches your heat tolerance, allowing you to control the soup’s kick.
• Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer a different leafy green texture and flavor profile.
• Lower the fat content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free milk alternative for lactose-sensitive diners.
• Enhance protein by adding white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken to make the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 327 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg