Kale, Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Kale, sausage and Tortellini Soup
Warm up your weeknight with this cozy Kale, Sausage & Tortellini soup!
A Cozy Bowl of Customizable Soup to Keep you Warm!
There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly night, and this Kale, Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Packed with pillowy cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and nutrient-rich kale, this recipe is not only delicious but also an incredibly easy one pot meal.
Not into sausage? Swap it for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based protein. Don’t love kale? Spinach or swiss chard work just as well. You can even switch out the tortellini for another pasta (hello, orzo!) or go dairy-free. Want to make it creamy? Stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream at the end. This soup is made for riffing.
Soups are my go-to in the fall and winter because they’re simple, soul-warming, and perfect for meal prep. I love making a big pot of this early in the week and portioning it out for easy lunches or weeknight dinners. Top it off with red pepper flakes, Tabasco, or chili crunch for a little heat! Serve with a toasted piece of crusty bread and you’ve got a bowl that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
This cozy soup is highly customizable—don’t be afraid to riff on the original! Here are some tips and swaps to make it your own:
Pick your protein! While Italian sausage adds rich flavor and heartiness, you can easily swap in ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative like Beyond or Impossible sausage. Chicken tortellini works beautifully here too!
Change up your veggies! If kale isn’t your thing, feel free to use baby spinach or swiss chard instead. They’ll wilt quickly and still add a pop of green to the broth.
Massage your kale! Yes, it sounds fussy, but trust me—it makes a big difference. Massaging kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice breaks down some of the toughness and makes it more tender and easier to digest.
Tortellini not required! Don’t love tortellini or need a dairy-free option? Sub in another small pasta shape like orzo, elbow macaroni, or even gnocchi. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooked noodles.
Layer the flavor! Start by browning your sausage and sautéing garlic and onions in the same pot—this builds a rich, savory base for your soup. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick.
Freezer-friendly tip: Skip adding the tortellini if you're planning to freeze this soup. Freeze the base, then cook and stir in fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat. This keeps it from getting mushy!
More Questions? Check out the FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just toss it straight into the pot—no need to thaw. Keep an eye on the cooking time since frozen tortellini may take an extra minute or two.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the tortellini absorbs too much liquid, just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta instead of tortellini, and double-check that your sausage and broth are labeled gluten-free.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. If you like a little heat, try spicy Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want it mild? Use sweet sausage or chicken sausage instead.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yep! It’s an easy swap and perfect if you're keeping it vegetarian (just make sure to use a plant-based protein too).
How can I make this soup creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a luscious finish. Voila! A new creamy tortellini soup. Coconut milk also works for a dairy-free twist.
Kale, Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
Kale, Sausage & Tortellini Soup
This Kale, Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Packed with pillowy cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and nutrient-rich kale, this recipe is not only delicious but also an incredibly easy one pot meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, bring the pot to medium heat. Cook the sausage in the pot over medium heat, breaking it up until it's no longer pink.
- Use a slotted spoon and remove the sausage to a plate with a paper towel to help absorb excess oil.
- Without cleaning the stockpot, bring back to medium-high heat, add some additional EVOO if necessary. Sauté the onions, celery and carrots for 7-8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add 1 tbsp of the tomato paste and mix well.
- Add in the Italian seasoning.
- Add in the broth and canned tomatoes. If using potatoes, add them in now and bring the ingredients to a gentle boil.
- Let the ingredients simmer for ~10 minutes, during this time do a taste test and adjust to your liking.
- While simmering, prepare your kale. After you've washed, dried and roughly chopped the kale, add to a bowl with the extra virgin olive oil and juice of 1/2 of a lemon. Gently massage until the texture softens.
- Add the sausage back into the soup. Add the tortellinis. They should only need to simmer about ~4-5 minutes to cook.
- When you are ready to serve, add in the kale and do one final taste test.
- Garnish with some additional lemon juice, parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese and hot sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
483Fat
31 gSat. Fat
10 gCarbs
34 gFiber
6 gNet carbs
28 gSugar
8 gProtein
20 gSodium
1719 mgCholesterol
74 mgNutritional information provided here is based on estimates and may vary depending on the brand and preparation methods used. Always check food labels for accurate nutritional details.