Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup

Highlighted under: Comfort Dinner Recipes

Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish brings warmth to any table.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-06T17:25:53.667Z

This Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup combines savory sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini in a rich and velvety broth. It's not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy texture that satisfies every craving
  • Packed with nutritious kale for a healthy twist
  • Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out

A Warm Bowl of Comfort

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul. Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup combines hearty ingredients with a rich, velvety broth that envelops you in warmth. Each spoonful not only satisfies your hunger but also lifts your spirits, making it the ideal dish for those cold evenings spent at home.

The combination of Italian sausage and cheese tortellini creates a delightful base that is both filling and flavorful. With each bite, you’ll experience a medley of tastes that are perfectly balanced, making every mouthful a celebration of comfort food. Plus, the addition of kale ensures that you're also getting a dose of essential nutrients, making this soup a deliciously healthy option.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup is its ease of preparation. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe can be brought together in just under 30 minutes. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you won't find yourself spending hours in the kitchen. Instead, you'll have more time to enjoy this delightful meal with family or friends.

The straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to whip up a restaurant-quality soup with minimal effort. From browning the sausage to simmering the broth, each step is designed to ensure that you achieve maximum flavor without the fuss. This makes it a go-to recipe for those evenings when time is of the essence but comfort food is a must.

Customizable for Your Taste

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize dishes to fit your personal tastes. While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Consider adding other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for even more flavor and nutrition. You could also swap out the kale for spinach or Swiss chard, depending on what you have on hand.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the soup to new levels of flavor. Alternatively, if you're looking for a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage substitute. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences and flavor profiles.

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate the Kale

Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup not only delights your taste buds but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. The kale in this dish is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, providing a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting everything from immune function to bone health, making this soup a nourishing choice for any meal.

Additionally, the protein from the Italian sausage and the carbohydrates from the tortellini create a well-rounded dish that keeps you satisfied for hours. With the inclusion of heavy cream, you're also enjoying healthy fats that can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. This recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and health, making it a smart choice for your dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this soup with a crusty loaf of bread or a simple side salad. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside garlic bread for a heartier meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

For those looking to add a bit more flair to their presentation, garnish each bowl with freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Whether it's a family dinner or a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will help you create a memorable meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used; just increase the cooking time slightly.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup ahead, but it's best to add the tortellini just before serving to keep them from getting mushy.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and check the broth for gluten-free certification.

Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup

Creamy Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish brings warmth to any table.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: Serves 4

What You'll Need

For the Soup

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 4 cups chicken broth
  6. 1 cup heavy cream
  7. 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  8. 2 cups kale, chopped
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 04

Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.

Step 05

Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 06

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 20g