Cozy Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe: Hearty Winter Comfort

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty kielbasa tortellini soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Polish sausage brings robust flavor to every spoonful of this one-pot wonder.

Tender tortellini float like little pillows amid a rich, savory broth packed with vegetables.

Curling up with a steaming bowl that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in your kitchen.

Short on time but craving something delicious?

This recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

You’ll want to grab a crusty bread and dive right into this soul-satisfying meal.

Why Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Is A Hearty Family Favorite

• Savor Hearty Flavor Fusion: Combines smoky kielbasa with tender tortellini, creating a rich, satisfying taste explosion that warms you from the inside out.
• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Boost Nutrition Packed Meal: Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich kielbasa, and optional greens, the soup delivers a balanced, wholesome dining experience that feels both indulgent and healthy.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple swaps like different greens, sausage types, or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For A Cozy Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Kielbasa: A smoky Polish sausage that adds rich flavor and hearty texture to the soup. Choose a high-quality smoked variety for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall soup flavor. Low-sodium options work well for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base vegetables that create a deep, aromatic foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables will provide the best texture and flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent flavor that complements the kielbasa. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended over pre-minced options.
• Spinach or Kale: Adds nutritional value and a pop of green color. Choose fresh, crisp greens for the best texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and depth to the soup base. Canned tomatoes with their juice work perfectly.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky notes of the kielbasa.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing and highlighting other flavors.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds substance and comfort to the soup. Choose fresh or dried cheese tortellini.
• Parmesan Cheese: A garnish that adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

How To Prepare Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Easily

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa Goodness

Heat a splash of olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Toss in sliced kielbasa and let it dance until golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy sausage to a temporary plate, keeping those delicious juices behind.

Step 2: Veggie Flavor Explosion

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté until the veggies soften and become tender. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Gold Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes with their juicy companions

• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Tortellini Time

Lower the heat and introduce the tortellini to the party. Let them swim and cook until they’re perfectly tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

• Spinach
• Kale (optional)

Let them mingle and wilt for a quick moment.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Grab a chunk of crusty bread and dive into this flavor-packed adventure!

Tips For A Rich And Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Quick Kielbasa Browning: Sear kielbasa at medium-high heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds deep flavor complexity to the soup.
• Veggie Prep Pro Tip: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Seasoning Secret: Use smoked paprika to enhance the kielbasa's smoky profile, creating a more robust and layered taste experience.
• Greens Flexibility: Swap spinach or kale based on preference or availability, ensuring the soup remains nutritious and vibrant.
• Cheese Elevation: Freshly grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty finish that complements the hearty soup's rich flavors.

How To Store And Reheat Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup and any remaining tortellini separate to prevent them from getting too soft.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortellini separately as they might lose texture.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed. Heat until thoroughly warm and steaming.
• Microwave Option: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Check temperature before serving to prevent burning.

Perfect Sides With Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the smoky kielbasa and cuts through the soup's richness, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Select a hearty, tangy sourdough that provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender tortellini and absorbs the flavorful broth, enhancing each spoonful.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: A light, refreshing pilsner will balance the soup's hearty components, its clean finish cutting through the richness of the kielbasa and providing a palate-cleansing effect.
• Serve with Mixed Green Salad: Create a light side salad with crisp greens, mild vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of herbs to provide a fresh, bright counterpoint to the warm, robust soup.

Flavor Variations Of Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Spicy Southwestern Soup: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chiles and swap spinach for cilantro. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Soup: Substitute kielbasa with chorizo. Include cannellini beans and fresh oregano. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort Soup: Add sliced mushrooms during vegetable sautéing. Include heavy cream for richness. Sprinkle fresh thyme and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Winter Root Vegetable Soup: Incorporate diced parsnips and butternut squash with carrots. Use smoked sausage instead of kielbasa. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

FAQs For Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• What makes kielbasa so special in this soup?

Kielbasa adds a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the entire soup. Its slightly spicy and robust taste brings depth and complexity to the dish, making it more than just a typical tortellini soup.

• Can I use a different type of sausage if I don't have kielbasa?

Absolutely! While kielbasa provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo. Each will bring its own distinctive taste to the soup.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes! The combination of protein from kielbasa, vegetables like carrots and celery, and tortellini creates a well-rounded meal. The greens add extra nutrients and make the soup more wholesome.

• How spicy is this soup with the smoked paprika?

The smoked paprika adds warmth and depth without making the soup super spicy. It provides a gentle, smoky background flavor that complements the kielbasa perfectly.

Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish kielbasa tortellini soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending robust sausage with tender cheese-filled pasta. Rich broth and savory ingredients create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates with its simple, delicious charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (about 8 ounces / 225 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Transform kielbasa into crispy, caramelized morsels by sizzling in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat until golden brown edges develop, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned kielbasa onto a separate plate using a slotted utensil.
2. Utilize the same pot’s residual flavorful oils to sauté a medley of aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, and celery – encouraging them to soften and release their natural sweetness, requiring about 5-7 minutes of gentle cooking. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the mixture for an additional minute.
3. Construct the soup’s foundation by incorporating chicken broth and tomatoes, including their vibrant juices. Enhance the liquid with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, smoky paprika, salt, and ground pepper. Elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a delicate, bubbling state.
4. Gently lower the heat and introduce tortellini, allowing them to dance and simmer within the aromatic liquid for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fully cooked.
5. Reunite the previously seared kielbasa with the simmering soup. Fold in verdant spinach or kale, permitting the greens to gracefully wilt and integrate into the robust mixture for a brief 1-2 minutes.
6. Present the hearty soup in individual bowls, crowning each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with a rustic, crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize browned kielbasa by ensuring a golden-brown crust without burning, which develops deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Consider swapping protein for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Enhance soup’s texture by adding small diced potatoes or white beans for extra heartiness and nutritional boost.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt incrementally during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg