Contents
Introduction
Creamy Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty soup is both satisfying and comforting. Easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind (optional)
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
⅓ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
This creamy tortellini soup is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, making it not only a nourishing meal but also a heartwarming experience. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Flour
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Incorporate Liquids
Gradually stir in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, and Parmesan rind (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup has reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
Cook Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the pot, cover, and cook until tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Add Kale
Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Finish with Cream and Basil
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil until heated through, about 1 minute. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Serve the soup immediately, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping if desired.
Notes
Substitutions
You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version
To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Storage
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Freezing
If freezing, consider leaving out the cream and kale until reheating, as they may not freeze well.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the soup with a fresh salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.
Cook techniques
Chopping and Dicing
When preparing ingredients such as onions and kale, use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For onions, cut off the ends, slice in half, and chop into small, even pieces. Remove the kale leaves from the tough stems and chop them coarsely.
Cooking Sausage
To cook Italian sausage, heat olive oil in a stockpot and add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and helps render out excess fat.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add minced garlic and diced onions to the pot after the sausage is browned. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Thickening Soup with Flour
When incorporating flour into your soup, whisk it in to avoid lumps. Cook it briefly to eliminate the raw flour taste, allowing it to absorb moisture and enhance the soup’s consistency.
Simmering
After adding liquids, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows flavors to meld and the soup to thicken gradually. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking Tortellini
Add refrigerated tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cover the pot to retain heat and cook until they are tender, following the package instructions for timing.
Adding Greens
Add chopped kale towards the end of the cooking process. It only needs to cook for a couple of minutes to wilt while retaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
Finishing with Cream
Remove the pot from heat before stirring in heavy cream. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just increase the cooking time slightly according to the package instructions.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk plus a thickener, although this may alter the richness of the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Yes, you can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Add more vegetables for depth of flavor.
What type of cheese can I use besides Parmesan?
You can use Romano or Pecorino cheese as alternatives to Parmesan, or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter soup.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal. The savory Italian sausage and tender tortellini, combined with the nutritional benefits of kale and a rich creamy broth, create a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience that your family and friends will surely love.
Vegetarian Variation
Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or use a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Soup
Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach into the broth, replacing the kale, for a creamy soup reminiscent of the classic dip.
Chicken and Tortellini Soup
Replace the Italian sausage with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter twist while still enjoying the comforting flavors of the tortellini.
Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the sausage to give the soup a spicy kick that warms you from the inside out.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Boost
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and an extra handful of fresh basil for a burst of flavor that elevates the soup to gourmet status.
