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My Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale started as a cozy dinner experiment and quickly became our family's favorite comfort meal. The way the creamy tomato broth hugs those tender tortellini while the savory sausage and kale add such wonderful depth makes this soup absolutely irresistible.
Why You'll Love It
What makes this soup so special is how quickly it comes together while tasting like it's been simmering all day. That rich tomato broth with Italian sausage creates such amazing flavor and the kale adds just the right fresh touch to balance everything perfectly.
What You'll Need
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound mild sausage, ground or casing removed, for a flavorful base.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped, for aromatic depth.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced, to enhance the savory flavors.
- Chicken Stock: 1 quart, as the soup's base.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (14-ounce) can, for a rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the broth.
- Kale: 1 bunch, stemmed and torn, for a nutrient-packed green.
- Tortellini: 10 ounces fresh, to add hearty texture.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for a creamy finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, grated for garnish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a spicy kick.
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Let's Make It Together
- Start with the Sausage
- Brown that sausage with onions and garlic until everything's golden and fragrant.
- Build Your Base
- Pour in the stock and tomatoes letting all those flavors develop.
- Add the Good Stuff
- Drop in your tortellini and kale watching them cook to perfection.
- Make It Creamy
- Stir in that heavy cream for the perfect finishing touch.
- Time to Enjoy
- Ladle it up hot with plenty of Parmesan on top.
Make It Perfect
Fresh tortellini makes all the difference but frozen works in a pinch. Don't skip draining the excess sausage fat it keeps the soup from being too heavy. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of warmth.
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Serve It Right
Nothing beats dunking some crusty bread into that creamy broth. A simple green salad on the side makes it feel extra special. I love setting out extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes so everyone can make their bowl just how they like it.
Keep It Fresh
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge just warm it gently when you're ready to eat. The tortellini might soak up some broth so add a splash of stock if needed to bring back that perfect consistency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What can I substitute for kale?
Spinach or Swiss chard work well. Adjust cooking time as they're more tender than kale.
- → Can I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey Italian sausage instead of pork.
- → How long does it keep?
Store in fridge up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid, so add broth when reheating.
- → Can this be frozen?
Best to freeze before adding tortellini and cream. Add fresh when reheating to prevent mushy pasta.
Conclusion
A comforting and quick soup that combines hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious kale in a creamy tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.