Sausage and tortellini soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms you from the inside out. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is perfect for chilly winter nights or a cozy gathering with friends. It comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal that satisfies your cravings and nourishes your soul. Picture yourself enjoying a steaming bowl topped with Parmesan cheese, ideal for sharing moments with loved ones.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground hot Italian sausage
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (from two 14.5 ounce cans)
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Optional Additions
- Spinach or kale
- Mild or sweet Italian sausage (instead of hot)
- Sliced sausage as a substitution
How to Make Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Cooking the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until crispy. This step releases the savory flavors, making your soup incredibly delicious. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the diced carrots and onion, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt. Pour in a little chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom. Cook the vegetables until they start to soften, about three minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients and Cooking
Pour in the remaining chicken stock and diced tomatoes, and taste to adjust seasoning with more kosher salt as needed. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add the tortellini and the cooked sausage, ensuring everything is mixed well. Cook until the tortellini are tender, approximately five minutes. After checking the seasoning one last time, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
Choosing the Right Sausage
For a spicy kick, hot Italian sausage is the best choice, but you can always opt for mild or sweet Italian sausage to suit your taste. Each variety adds its unique flavor profile to the soup.
Understanding the Deglazing Process
Deglazing the pan with chicken stock not only lifts the delicious brown bits of sausage but also enriches the broth, making your soup even more flavorful. It’s a simple yet essential technique.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a creamy finish, making each bowl even more delightful.
Equipment Needed
Recommended Cookware
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a large soup pot is highly recommended for even cooking and excellent heat retention. This ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage and Freezing Tips
How to Store Leftovers
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before the tortellini becomes too soft. Always keep it in an airtight container for freshness.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the soup, omit the tortellini and cream initially. Cool the soup completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and reheat to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender before stirring in the cream.
FAQs About sausage and tortellini soup
What is in sausage tortellini soup?
Sausage tortellini soup typically includes ingredients such as ground hot Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, cheese tortellini, and various vegetables like carrots and onions. It is often finished with heavy cream for a rich texture.
What to serve with tortellini sausage soup?
Sausage tortellini soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
What is creamy tortellini soup?
Creamy tortellini soup is a comforting dish made with tortellini pasta in a rich and velvety broth, often containing cream or milk, along with various meats and vegetables.
What is tortellini made of?
Tortellini is a type of pasta that is typically made from a dough of wheat flour and eggs, filled with a mixture of meats, cheese, or vegetables, then shaped into a ring or knotted.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Sausage Potato Soup
- Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
- Comforting Potsticker Soup
- Vegetable Soup
Conclusion
Enjoying a bowl of sausage and tortellini soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day. For even more inspiration and delicious recipes, check out Elly’s Recipes on Pinterest, where you can discover countless ideas to enhance your culinary adventures.
Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup for a Cozy Night
Equipment
- soup pot or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground hot Italian sausage
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes (from two 14.5 ounce cans)
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the ground sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Sauté the carrots and onion with a pinch of salt, deglazing with chicken stock, until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the remaining chicken stock and diced tomatoes, season, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the tortellini and cooked sausage, cooking until the tortellini are tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in the heavy cream before serving.