This Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup is a creamy, cozy, one-pot meal bursting with flavor. With juicy Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, tender kale, and a rich broth infused with herbs, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a comforting bowl. The subtle touch of hot sauce and mustard powder deepens the flavor beautifully don’t skip them! If you loved our Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Bake, you’ll adore this spoonable version.

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy and comforting: Perfect balance of cream, broth, and spices.
Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
Flavorful depth: Basil, oregano, and hot sauce add an irresistible kick.
Family favorite: Everyone loves tender pasta in a rich, creamy soup.

Ingredients

1 lb ground Italian sausage, hot or mild
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp oregano
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp hot sauce
½ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped kale
2 cups (about 10 oz) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Remove casings if using sausage links. In a large pot, cook and crumble the sausage with diced onion over medium-high heat until browned and onions are softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Stir in basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until combined.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add kale and tortellini. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until tortellini is tender and kale is wilted. (If using frozen tortellini, cook it first before adding kale in the last few minutes.)
Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to preference.
Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or garlic bread with cheese.

Pro Tips

Add a Parmesan or Romano cheese rind when simmering the broth for deeper flavor.
Try using Marry Me Chicken Soup as a base for variation.
For a lighter soup, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Swap kale for spinach and stir it in just before serving for a quick wilt.

Crock Pot Method

Brown sausage and onions on the stovetop as described above. Stir in flour and spices.
Transfer everything except cream, tortellini, and kale to a slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
Add kale during the last 10–15 minutes to wilt.
Warm the cream in the microwave for 45 seconds and stir it in slowly before serving.
Add cooked tortellini to bowls and ladle the soup on top.

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the soup without tortellini for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup with a slice of crusty bread or roasted delicata squash for a balanced meal. Top with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for the perfect finish.

More to Try

Conclusion

This Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Comfort Soup delivers the perfect blend of creamy broth, tender pasta, and savory sausage in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this cozy favorite never disappoints.