Name: Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casing removed; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 quart chicken stock; 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 bunch curly kale, stemmed and roughly torn; 10 ounces fresh tortellini; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 37 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a soul-warming, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, robust, and packed with vibrant greens and hearty sausage, this soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe comes together quickly, bringing layers of Italian flavor and a satisfying texture that will have you dreaming of seconds. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe will become your go-to comfort meal in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cooking setup with several ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the back right, there is a large red pot filled with a chunky red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of light brown meat, topped with a bit of green herb and a ladle inside. To the front right, a white bowl holds a single layer of yellow tortellini pasta, each piece folded with a smooth texture. In the bottom right corner, a dark bowl contains a layer of chopped dark green leafy herbs. On the left side, a white plate presents a single layer of brown, uncooked sausage pieces. Below it, a small wooden bowl holds a powdery white grated cheese. Near the top left, a pile of fresh curly kale leaves lies on a wooden cutting board, and next to it is a small white cup with a red powder. Three cloves of garlic are scattered near the dark bowl. A red and white checkered cloth rests beneath the white plate and wooden bowl. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients create the foundation for this delicious soup. Each component is essential: the Italian sausage adds savory depth, the kale brings a lovely earthy bitterness and brilliant green color, and the cheese tortellini provides a tender, cheesy bite that makes the soup feel extra special.

Mild Italian sausage, 1 pound: Use casing removed for easy crumbling and even browning that flavors the entire soup.
Yellow onion, 1 medium, chopped: Provides sweetness and aroma as it softens with the sausage.
Garlic cloves, 6 minced: Adds a punch of savory warmth that elevates every spoonful.
Chicken stock, 1 quart: The flavorful base that brings everything together with rich, comforting warmth.
Crushed tomatoes, 14 ounces: Adds a bright, tangy tomato foundation to balance the richness.
Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds lovely depth and body.
Sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
Curly kale, 1 bunch: Stemmed and roughly torn to bring excellent texture and a healthy pop of green.
Fresh tortellini, 10 ounces: Cheese-filled pasta that cooks quickly and melts in your mouth.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy, savory finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if you like a bit of spice in your soup.

How to Make Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Base

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it browns, and cook until the meat is evenly cooked and the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once the base smells irresistible, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy but still retain the sausage’s deep flavor.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. This combination forms the soup’s heart, marrying savory and tangy notes in a rich broth. Bring it all up to a boil, sprinkle in sea salt, then lower the heat to a simmer. Allow the broth to cook gently for around 15 minutes until it slightly reduces and thickens, concentrating the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add Greens and Pasta

Now, stir in the curly kale, fresh tortellini, and heavy cream. The kale will wilt, adding a vibrant color and texture, while the tortellini cooks through in just minutes, filling the soup with cheesy goodness. Simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until the kale is tender and pasta perfectly cooked—not mushy, but just right.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. If you like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This final touch adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish even more comforting and memorable.

How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a cooking pot with browned ground meat mixed with small bits of onions on the bottom layer, with a light yellow broth being poured over the meat by a woman's hand holding a clear glass container. The second view shows the pot filled with the yellow broth covering the meat, with a thicker white liquid being added on top by the same woman's hand holding a different clear container. The surface under the pot is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan is a classic choice, offering sharp, nutty notes that complement the creamy broth perfectly. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes livens things up if you enjoy a little heat. For a fresh finish, a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil can turn this soup into a gourmet experience.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside a crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of the luscious broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, bringing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. If you want to keep things hearty, roasted vegetables or a bowl of antipasto will round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in mini bread bowls for a charming, rustic look that is sure to wow guests. Alternatively, a deep pasta bowl with a side of Parmesan crisps makes for an elegant presentation. If you’re hosting, offer little condiment bowls with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it covered tightly to preserve freshness. Be aware that the tortellini may soak up some broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this soup if needed. For freezing, store the soup without the cream and tortellini, adding them fresh when reheating to maintain texture. The sausage, broth, and kale freeze beautifully and retain their flavors after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If refrigerated pasta has absorbed much of the broth, add a little extra chicken stock or water to help thin the soup. Once heated through, stir in the heavy cream and fresh tortellini if frozen separately and cook until the pasta is tender.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Swapping mild for spicy Italian sausage will add a bold, peppery kick to this soup, making it perfect if you like your meals with some heat. Adjust the added red pepper flakes accordingly to balance the spice level to your liking.

What can I substitute for kale if I don’t have any?

Swiss chard, spinach, or collard greens work beautifully as substitutes. Just add them at the same stage and cook until wilted. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but still keep the soup vibrant and nutritious.

Is fresh tortellini necessary, or can I use frozen or dried?

Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a delicate texture, but frozen tortellini works well too—just increase the cooking time slightly. Dried tortellini isn’t recommended for this recipe because it will take longer to cook and may absorb too much broth, altering the soup’s consistency.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can stir in a splash of coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute at the end for creaminess without dairy. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor to garnish.

Can I prepare this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! For an Instant Pot, sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic in the pot on sauté mode, then add the liquids and cook under pressure for about 10 minutes before adding kale, tortellini, and cream. In a slow cooker, brown the sausage and aromatics on the stove first, then combine everything and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the kale, tortellini, and cream during the last 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding family or looking for a meal to warm you up after a long day, it delivers in every way. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite wintertime comfort food.