Introduction
Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! This dish is ideal for cozy nights and quick lunches. With hearty sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy base, every spoonful offers a warm, comforting embrace. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you need a delightful pick-me-up, this soup is sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 1 cup drained and diced canned tomatoes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 9 oz. refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Grab a large soup pot and heat up that olive oil over medium heat! Brown the Italian sausage, then set it aside.
2. In the same pot, toss in the onions and butter. Let them sizzle until soft, then add that garlic for a wondrous aroma.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Smooth and creamy is what we’re aiming for!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add your beloved hot sauce. Simmer away.
5. Time to add some greens! Throw in the kale, followed by the diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Finally, add those cute tortellini and let them cook until they float to the top and are tender. Reunite the sausage with its creamy family and let everything mingle for a few more minutes.
7. Ladle that creamy goodness into bowls and prepare for a soul-warming experience.
Enjoy this creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup for a meal that’s truly a hug in a bowl!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Grab a large soup pot and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onions and butter. Let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Hot Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and add the hot sauce. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Step 5: Incorporate the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add some greens! Toss in the chopped kale followed by the drained and diced canned tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 6: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated three-cheese tortellini to the pot. Let them cook until they float to the top and become tender. Reintroduce the cooked sausage to the pot, allowing all the ingredients to mingle together for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Ladle the creamy tortellini soup into bowls and prepare yourself for a soul-warming experience.
Notes
Texture and Creaminess
For an extra creamy texture, ensure you stir continuously when adding the heavy cream, and avoid bringing the mixture to a rolling boil after adding the cream.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as spinach or carrots, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Storage Tips
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini, as they may become mushy when thawed. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Cook techniques
Browning Sausage
In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. This not only adds flavor but also creates a delicious base for your soup.
Sautéing Aromatics
Once the sausage is cooked and set aside, sauté the diced onions and butter in the same pot until soft. Adding minced garlic enhances the aroma and depth of flavor.
Creating a Creamy Base
Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir well to combine, then gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Simmering the Broth
After adding chicken broth and hot sauce, allow the mixture to simmer. This helps meld the flavors together before adding the vegetables.
Incorporating Greens and Seasoning
Add chopped kale and diced canned tomatoes to your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the greens to wilt while enriching the broth.
Cooking Tortellini
Finally, introduce the refrigerated tortellini into the pot. Cook until they float to the top, an indication that they are tender and ready to enjoy.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any preferred flavor.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based milk for a lighter version.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the sausage for vegetarian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.