There’s just something about a steaming bowl of homemade soup that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, don’t you think? This spicy sausage and tortellini soup is a delightful twist that brings together the bold flavors of savory sausage and tender tortellini, creating an irresistible dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. I’ll never forget the first time I made this soup for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around the table, eager to dig in. With each spoonful, it felt like a hug from the inside. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it a regular on your dinner table, too!
Ingredients for Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this flavorful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. And don’t hesitate to adjust the sausage to your spice preference! This soup is all about making it your own.
How to Prepare Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This soup comes together in just a few steps, and I promise it’s as simple as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to sauté it for about 5–7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The smell will be incredible, trust me!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next up, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want the garlic to burn—it can become bitter and ruin the flavor of your soup!
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the entire mixture to a boil; you should see some bubbles forming in about 5 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will begin to smell like heaven!
Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Seasoning
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat a bit and stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is combined and that creamy texture starts to shine through. It should look rich and inviting!
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Now add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3–5 minutes. You want them tender and fluffy but not overcooked. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together.
Step 6: Fold in Spinach
Last but certainly not least, fold in the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted. The vibrant green color will make your soup pop!
Step 7: Season to Taste
Finally, it’s time to taste! Add salt and pepper as needed, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. This is where you can truly make the soup your own, so don’t be shy!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a bowl of this spicy sausage and tortellini soup, it’s good to know what you’re getting! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, knowing you’re fueling your body with a hearty, delicious meal makes it even better, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comforting meal.
- Rich, creamy texture balanced with the bold spice of Italian sausage.
- One-pot recipe means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- Customizable spice levels to suit your taste; choose mild or hot sausage.
- Packed with delicious ingredients like fresh spinach and cheesy tortellini.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for Success
To make your spicy sausage and tortellini soup absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the sausage to get a nice golden-brown color. This step builds flavor, so take your time!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and veggies can elevate the taste! If you can, grab some fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture.
- Adjust the heat: If you want to tone down the spice, go for mild sausage or add a dollop of sour cream when serving to balance it out.
- Tortellini timing: Check the package for cooking times and be sure not to overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but still have a bite!
- Season gradually: When it comes to salt and pepper, add a little at a time. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Let it sit: If you have time, let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking. The flavors will meld together beautifully!
- Garnish for flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top before serving adds a lovely touch and makes it look extra inviting.
With these tips, I’m sure your soup will turn out delicious every time. Happy cooking!
Variations on Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This spicy sausage and tortellini soup is so versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists to keep it exciting! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the spicy sausage for some hearty mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Extra Greens: Boost the nutrition by adding other greens such as kale or Swiss chard along with the spinach. They’ll add a lovely color and a nutrient punch!
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese right before serving for an extra creamy and cheesy experience. Who can resist that?
- Spicy Kick: If you really want to turn up the heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can always taste as you go!
- Creamy Tomato Version: For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with a can of tomato sauce or passata. It’ll give your soup a deliciously creamy tomato base.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, basil, or even a bit of fresh dill. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Different Pasta Shapes: While tortellini is a must-have, feel free to use other pasta shapes like shells or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect bowl of soup. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover spicy sausage and tortellini soup is a treasure, and I’m excited to share how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy that deliciousness again! Here’s how to do it right:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it!
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. It’ll last for about 2–3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label them with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is super simple:
- Thawing: If frozen, transfer the container to the fridge the night before to let it thaw. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheating: Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through, usually about 5–10 minutes. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Microwave: You can also reheat it in the microwave! Just place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
And there you have it! With these tips, your spicy sausage and tortellini soup will taste just as amazing the second time around. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Print
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup: 7 Heartwarming Steps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful soup with spicy sausage and tortellini.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 oz)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
- Fold in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot sausage.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: spicy sausage and tortellini soup
