One-Pot Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

When I’m craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s also quick and easy to make, this One-Pot Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup always hits the spot. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and tender kale, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth. The best part? It all comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the secret touch of mustard powder and hot sauce adds a depth of flavor you won’t believe!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, this soup is ready in just half an hour.
• One-Pot Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a creamy broth create a truly delicious and comforting soup.
• Family-Friendly: This is a soup that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Ingredients for Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying soup. I’ve divided them up for clarity, but the full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below.

Meat and Vegetables

• Ground Italian sausage (Meat)
• Yellow onion (Vegetable)
• Garlic (Aromatic)
• Kale (Vegetable)

Spices and Seasonings

• Dried basil (Herb)
• Oregano (Herb)
• Cayenne (Spice)
• Hot sauce (Condiment)
• Mustard powder (Spice)
• Pepper (Spice)
• Red pepper flakes (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)

Liquids and Dairy

• Flour (Thickener)
• Heavy cream (Dairy)
• Chicken broth (Liquid)

Pasta

• Tortellini (Pasta)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love this soup just the way it is, but here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Use Different Sausage: Try sweet Italian sausage or even chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spinach Instead of Kale: Substitute spinach for the kale if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Make it Extra Creamy: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of extra heavy cream for an even richer soup.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.

How to Make Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Let me show you how easy it is to make this One-Pot Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup:

Cook the Sausage and Onions

1. First, if using sausage links, I remove the casings. Then, I cook and crumble the sausage and diced onions in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, which takes about 8-10 minutes. I drain off any excess grease.
2. Then, I add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.

Add Flour and Spices

1. I sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Next, I add the basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. I stir everything well to combine.

Add Liquids and Simmer

1. I pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds so much flavor to the soup!
2. Then, I slowly stir in the heavy cream.
3. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add Tortellini and Kale

1. I add the kale and tortellini to the pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes. If your tortellini needs a longer cooking time, add it first, then the kale during the last 5 minutes.

Season and Serve

1. I always taste the soup at this point and add salt as needed. I usually start with about ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
2. Finally, I ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips I’ve learned to make this soup even better:

• Use a Large Pot: You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to fit all the ingredients comfortably.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini until it’s just tender to avoid it becoming mushy.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less cayenne and red pepper flakes.

How to Serve

This Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. This is a must in my house!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is even better the next day! You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Can I use frozen tortellini?
  • Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Add it directly to the soup and cook according to package directions.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  • Absolutely! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  • I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the tortellini and kale might not hold up well after freezing and thawing. Also, dairy doesn’t tend to freeze well.

Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful One-Pot Hearty Sausage & Tortellini Soup! I hope it becomes a new weeknight favorite.

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