Description
Hearty “spicy sausage and tortellini soup” delivers comforting Italian-inspired warmth with robust flavors dancing through each spoonful. Pepper-kissed sausage and pillowy tortellini combine in a soul-satisfying bowl perfect for chasing winter’s chill.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 package (9 ounces/9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces/14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dairy and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sear the spicy sausage in a spacious pot over medium heat, methodically crumbling the meat until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Drain excess fat, preserving a thin layer for robust flavor enhancement.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, creating a fragrant base. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, releasing their aromatic essence for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cascade diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot, whisking to create a harmonious liquid foundation. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling point, then reduce heat and let the ingredients meld together in a slow, deliberate simmer.
- Gently lower cheese tortellini into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook until they become plump and tender. Fresh tortellini will require less time compared to frozen varieties, so monitor their transformation closely.
- Swirl heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious texture. Immediately fold in fresh baby spinach or kale, watching the greens gracefully wilt and integrate into the liquid landscape. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Artfully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, and an optional dusting of additional red pepper flakes. Accompany with crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Opt for lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor profiles.
- Select fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for superior texture and taste compared to dried varieties.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage alternatives to transform this recipe into a delicious vegetarian meal that doesn’t sacrifice depth or satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg