Zesty Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Crafting a hearty spicy sausage and tortellini soup promises comfort on chilly evenings.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Fragrant herbs and zesty spices dance through each spoonful.

Kitchen aromas will instantly warm your soul and spark excitement.

Chunky sausage pieces nestle between delicate tortellini, creating perfect texture contrasts.

Rich broth carries deep, multilayered seasonings that sing with every bite.

Your dinner table awaits this soul-satisfying culinary adventure.

Why Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Delivers Big Flavor

• Packed with spicy Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-rich vegetables, this soup delivers a punch of warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
• Easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for both mild and bold taste preferences across different age groups.
• Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients mean less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delectable meal with loved ones.

Everything Needed for Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Spicy Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat base that adds rich, spicy notes to the soup.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that creates a savory and comforting soup base.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and depth of flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic blend that builds a robust flavor foundation for the soup.

• Spinach or Kale: Adds fresh green color and nutritional boost to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance and adjust the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds subtle richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty, tangy finish to the soup.

How to Make a Hearty Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and diced celery.

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Toss in the spicy Italian sausage, keeping the casing intact.

Cook and break apart the sausage with a wooden spoon until it’s beautifully browned and develops a rich color (around 7 minutes).

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth.

Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Drop in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.

Typically, this takes 3-5 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and plump.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Stir in fresh spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt and become vibrant green (about 2 minutes).

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (for extra kick)

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• A drizzle of olive oil
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Serve piping hot and savor every spoonful of this comforting, spicy soup.

Tips for a Robust and Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Choose high-quality spicy Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact. Fresh sausage links work better than pre-cooked varieties.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup. Smaller, consistent cuts help ingredients blend harmoniously.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely. Homemade broth elevates the soup's overall depth of flavor.
• Add spinach or kale at the last moment to preserve nutrients and maintain vibrant color. Avoid overcooking greens to keep their fresh, crisp texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for desired spiciness without overwhelming the dish.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Spicy Tortellini Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 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 up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini for best texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, and warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. Add extra broth if soup seems too thick.

What Tastes Great With Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Savor Zesty Wine Pairing: Complement the soup's spicy sausage with a bold red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness and matches the dish's robust flavors.
• Cheese Crowning Glory: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano on top to add a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the soup's complex taste profile.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve with a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional carbohydrate satisfaction.
• Crisp Side Salad Balance: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to counteract the soup's hearty nature, introducing a refreshing and palate-cleansing element to the meal.

Soup Variations to Make Spicy Tortellini New Again

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace spicy sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled firm tofu, seasoned with smoked paprika and fennel seeds for similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or replace with quinoa and diced zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit Parmesan cheese garnish and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or skip cheese entirely and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and increase herbs like basil and oregano to enhance natural flavors without extra sodium.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and adds good flavor to the soup.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding the tortellini and spinach before freezing. Add those fresh when reheating to maintain their texture and taste.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add more protein like white beans or increase the amount of tortellini. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad to make the meal more substantial and satisfying.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup brings bold Italian flavors to your kitchen, simmering with rich, comforting ingredients. Packed with zesty sausage, tender tortellini, and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sausage:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 453 grams) spicy Italian sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Liquid and Pasta Ingredients:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh tortellini (cheese or spinach-filled)

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, sautéing onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce whole spicy Italian sausage to the pot, browning thoroughly while breaking into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon, cooking for about 7 minutes.
3. Pour canned diced tomatoes with their natural juices and chicken broth into the pot, allowing mixture to reach a gentle simmering point.
4. Carefully drop tortellini into the simmering liquid, cooking for 3-5 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach or kale, stirring until greens wilt and become vibrant, approximately 2 minutes.
6. Enhance flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper, adding red pepper flakes for additional spiciness if preferred.
7. Ladle soup into serving bowls, optionally finishing with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and depth.

Notes

• Swap out spicy sausage for mild versions or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different heat tolerances and dietary preferences.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra chopped zucchini or bell peppers during the initial sautéing stage for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure all components are ready when needed, making the soup preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantity – add more broth for a lighter consistency or reduce for a heartier, more robust texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg