Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 Tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne (optional); ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 5 cups chicken broth; 2 cups kale (chopped); 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 oz., refrigerated or frozen); Salt to taste

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of soup that’s both hearty and creamy. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe blends savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-packed kale in a rich, flavorful broth—perfect when you want a cozy, satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

A close-up image of a shiny metal pot filled with a warm tortellini soup resting on a white marbled surface, showing a wooden spoon stirring inside. The soup has three main visual layers: large yellow tortellini pasta pieces floating on the top, dark green leafy kale pieces mix throughout, and small chunks of brown cooked meat scattered evenly. The broth is reddish-orange with some herbs and bubbles, giving a rich and hearty look. The pot has golden handles on each side, curving upward gently. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I make this soup on those busy weeknights when I crave something comforting but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. It’s creamy, packed with flavors, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a fast dinner fix.
Balanced Flavors: Savory sausage meets gentle heat and herbs for depth.
Nutritious Touch: Kale adds a healthy punch without overpowering the comfort.
Versatile: Use frozen or refrigerated tortellini, making it super convenient.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this soup, finding quality Italian sausage and fresh kale makes all the difference. Don’t worry about using refrigerated or frozen tortellini—both work wonderfully here, just keep an eye on cooking times.

Flat lay of ground Italian sausage in a loose mound, a small diced yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of flour, a small white ceramic bowl of dried basil, a small white ceramic bowl of oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with a pinch of cayenne powder, a small white ceramic bowl with a teaspoon of hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, fresh chopped kale leaves, fresh cheese tortellini, and two whole brown eggs placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Italian sausage: Delivers the rich, meaty base and seasoning that defines the soup’s heartiness.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth, enhancing every bite.
Flour: Creates the thick, creamy roux that gives the broth its luscious texture.
Dried basil: Adds herbal brightness reflective of classic Italian flavors.
Oregano: Complements basil with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
Cayenne: Provides a subtle spicy kick (optional, based on your heat preference).
Hot sauce: Gives a gentle tangy warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Mustard powder: Enhances depth with a mild, sharp complexity.
Pepper: Adds a balanced peppery spice.
Red pepper flakes: Offer just a pinch of heat that can be adjusted to your taste.
Heavy cream: Makes the soup silky and indulgently creamy.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory, flavorful base for the soup.
Kale: Adds color, texture, and nutrition without detracting from the richness.
Tortellini: The star pasta, tender and flavorful, soaking up all that yummy broth.
Salt: To taste, bringing all the flavors together perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it spiced up, packed with veggies, or a little lighter, there’s room to tweak it while keeping that comforting, creamy goodness.

Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes. I like to bump it up just a notch for a cozy, warming bowl on chilly nights.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth. It’s still rich and satisfying!
Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella at the end for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
Seasonal Greens: Kale is fantastic, but you can also try spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens for different flavors and textures.
Swap the Tortellini: Feel free to use cheese ravioli or mini stuffed pasta if you want to mix things up or use what’s in your freezer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a white pot with cooked ground meat and small bits mixed with translucent diced onions at the bottom. In the left part, a woman's hand is pouring a light yellow broth over the meat mixture, causing it to glisten and look wet but still chunky. In the right part, the broth now fills most of the pot, covering the meat, and a woman's hand is pouring a white liquid, likely cream or milk, into the yellow broth, creating a smooth, foamy swirl on top. The background surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onions

Start by removing the casings from your sausage if using links. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage together with the diced onion. Stir frequently and cook until the onions are soft and the sausage is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step creates that flavorful base — you’ll notice the irresistible aroma as the sausage caramelizes. When done, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute until fragrant—you’ll immediately smell that wonderful garlicky warmth. Then sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage mixture. Cook this for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and to get rid of the “raw” flour taste. This roux will help thicken your soup, giving it that luscious creamy texture.

Step 3: Season the Soup Base

Now it's time to add the dried basil, oregano, optional cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well so the spices can meld beautifully with the sausage base. These seasonings are subtle but essential—they layer in just the right depth and brightness to your broth.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape and “clean” the bottom of the pot. This step loosens all those tasty browned bits that add extra flavor to your soup. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer to let all the flavors marry together.

Step 5: Cook Kale and Tortellini

Stir in the chopped kale and tortellini. If you’re using refrigerated or frozen tortellini, cook them in the simmering broth for about 3-5 minutes until tender and cooked through. If your particular tortellini needs longer, add it first, then add the kale during the last 5 minutes, so it doesn’t overcook but still becomes tender.

Step 6: Taste and Season

Give your soup a taste and add salt starting with ¼ teaspoon, adjusting gradually to your preference. This step really brings all the flavors to life.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your rich, creamy sausage tortellini soup into bowls and serve immediately. For the ultimate comfort meal, pair it with cheesy garlic bread. Trust me, it’s a combo that delights every time!

Top Tip

Mastering the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors and paying attention to texture. These tips will help you get the most from every ingredient and make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Properly Drain the Sausage: I always make sure to drain the excess grease after cooking the sausage. It keeps the soup from becoming too oily and lets the creamy broth shine.
Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: I’ve found that both work well, but if you’re using frozen tortellini, add them a little earlier and keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t get mushy.
Make the Roux Carefully: Stir the flour for a full 1-2 minutes after adding it to the sausage mixture. This extra step removes that raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Mustard Powder and Hot Sauce: Though subtle, these ingredients boost the overall flavor profile in ways you might not expect. I used to hesitate adding them but now I never skip this step.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has four visible layers of ingredients: at the top and mostly floating are four large yellow tortellini pasta pieces with soft, smooth texture. Mixed throughout the creamy light beige soup are small chunks of browned ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture and deep brown color. Bright green leafy kale pieces are scattered throughout, adding a fresh, textured look. Small red chili flakes are sprinkled lightly on the soup surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to brighten up your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano. A few fresh basil leaves or a dash of cracked black pepper on top add a lovely finishing touch. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes make fantastic garnishes as well.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread topped with melted cheese—that classic combo never fails! A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette brings freshness, or try some crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick, comforting meal without extra effort on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the tortellini and kale, then add them fresh when reheating to prevent sogginess. Alternatively, if fully prepared, freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water as needed. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to maintain smooth texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to your taste.

Do I have to use kale, or can I substitute another green?

Kale adds great texture and nutrition, but you can swap in spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer. Add softer greens toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sauté a mix of mushrooms and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it meat-free.

Why do you recommend adding mustard powder and hot sauce?

Though subtle, the mustard powder and hot sauce add a depth of flavor and a gentle kick that enhances the other seasonings without overpowering the soup. They really round out the taste beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite quick comfort foods—it’s warm, rich, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy the delightful blend of creamy broth, hearty sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale as much as I do. Don’t forget to savor it with some cheesy garlic bread and share it with loved ones to make the dinner extra special!