I still remember the very first time I savored a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale. It was a chilly fall evening, and a dear friend had invited me over for a cozy dinner. As I took that first spoonful, I was surprised by the perfect harmony of flavors—the savory sausage, the tender kale, and the pillowy tortellini all wrapped in a rich broth. This comforting Italian soup was nothing like I expected. It was vibrant, satisfying, and felt like a warm embrace on a crisp night.
That experience perfectly captures what I aim for on Carmen Wausa Blog: approachable, comforting meals that turn ordinary kitchens into places of connection and joy. This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale quickly became a staple in my home because it blends hearty ingredients with simple steps—no intimidating techniques, just pure satisfaction. It wasn’t just about the flavors; it was the atmosphere it created, bringing everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings.
I’m excited to share this sausage and kale soup recipe with you because it’s the kind of easy tortellini soup that fits into busy weeknights yet feels special enough for gatherings. It’s inspired by my love for soulful Italian cooking but designed to keep things doable for us fellow food lovers. Plus, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste or pantry.
Before we dive into the recipe, I want you to know this is more than a meal—it’s a recipe for memories. I hope this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale brightens your kitchen as much as it did mine! For another take on comforting soups, check out my Crockpot Potato Soup and Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipes—they’re perfect companions when you’re craving all-day comfort. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – The backbone of flavor in this sausage and kale soup recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning sausage and sautéing veggies.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – A must for that signature Italian tortellini soup aroma.
- 6 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Brings a nice acidic balance.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Classic herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional but adds a gentle kick.
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped and stems removed – The green powerhouse in this tortellini kale sausage stew.
- 12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini – Fresh tortellini makes all the difference. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it the tortellini for that tender finish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale at your local grocery store’s Italian section or farmers’ market for fresh kale. Reputable brands for tortellini can make your soup even more special.
If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken sausage work well here too for a lighter version. You can also swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a twist.
For storage wisdom: Wash and prep your kale in advance and keep it in a sealed container to speed up weeknight prep.
This approachable ingredient list supports my philosophy: make comforting meals without complicated shopping or hard-to-find specials.
If you love this tortellini kale sausage stew vibe, you might enjoy this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale for a similar delicious creation.
Let’s Make This!
Ready to cook your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale? Follow these steps for a beautiful result:
- Brown the Italian sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. This step builds the rich base flavor for your easy tortellini soup.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion to the same pot. Cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should now smell like the heart of a comforting Italian soup.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir in oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. This is when the soup’s flavors start melding beautifully.
- Simmer and add kale: Once simmering, add chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant green. Here’s a helpful tip: adding kale after the broth heats prevents it from getting mushy.
- Cook tortellini last: Stir in the tortellini and cook just until they float and are tender, about 3-4 minutes depending on package instructions. Don’t overcook; perfect texture makes this sausage and kale soup recipe stand out.
- Season and serve: Taste and add salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale should be fragrant, with a nice balance of savory sausage, fresh greens, and tender pasta.
If you want a crowd-pleasing twist for a cozy night, try adding a splash of cream in the final minute for richness.
While your soup is simmering, enjoy the warm aroma filling your kitchen—this is where your Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale becomes something truly special.
If you want more inspiration, this Sausage Tortellini Soup – The Cozy Cook offers a similar comforting spin.
Serving & Presentation
People always smile when I serve this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale at family dinners. It practically invites conversation and second helpings.
For presenting this soup, ladle it into warm bowls and add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a fresh finish.
Pair this soup with crusty Italian bread or a simple side salad. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into the broth, soaking up every bit of that comforting Italian soup magic.
This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale suits casual weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or those moments when you want to create warm connections with loved ones.
Leftovers are just as delightful. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if soup thickens too much.
If you want to try seasonal variations, swap kale with tender spinach in spring or add roasted butternut squash in fall—it adds a natural sweetness that complements the sausage. I often test variations inspired by recipes like Italian Sausage, Kale and Tortellini Soup – Cooking Classy for creative ideas.
This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale creates the sweetest moments at the dinner table, inviting smiles and hearty “thank yous.”
FAQs
- Can I make this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge up to 3 days, but I recommend adding the tortellini fresh when reheating to avoid it becoming mushy.
- What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
- Ground pork, turkey, or chicken sausage works well. You can also use Italian seasoning with ground beef for a similar flavor. If you want to skip meat, just add more kale and tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- How do I know when my Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale is perfectly done?
- The tortellini should be tender but still hold their shape, kale bright green but not limp, and the sausage cooked through and fragrant. The broth will be flavorful, with a balanced savory note from the sausage.
- Can I use frozen kale?
- Yes, but fresh kale gives a better texture and flavor. If you use frozen, add it toward the end and cook just until heated through to prevent mushiness.
- Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
- Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini or pasta alternatives. Double-check your sausage ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Definitely. Carrots, celery, or zucchini add nice texture and nutrients. Add them early when you sauté onions to soften them well.
- What’s a good substitution for chicken broth?
- Vegetable broth works beautifully, especially for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
Remember, fellow food lovers, I’ve tested this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale recipe multiple times, tweaking amounts and timing to make it easy and foolproof. The community loves how approachable and satisfying it is. For another comforting soup adventure, check out my Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe.
Why This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale Will Become Your New Favorite
This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale embodies everything I believe cooking should be: simple, comforting, and filled with good flavors that bring people together. It’s a recipe that highlights hearty sausage, fresh kale, and tender tortellini in a way that’s doable on busy nights yet impressive enough for special moments.
My Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale Success Tips:
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture.
- Add kale late to keep it bright and tender.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—watch for it to float and test texture early.
Over the years, I’ve loved experimenting with this tortellini kale sausage stew—adding cream for richness, swapping kale for spinach, or even making a spicy version with hot Italian sausage. The version with kale and mild sausage gets the most smiles around my table, hands down!
I encourage you to make this Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale part of your recipe collection. It’s sure to create beautiful moments and warm memories with your family and friends.
Once you try it, please share your delicious results with me! It’s such a joy to hear how this comforting Italian soup brings you and your loved ones together around the dinner table.
For more heartwarming soup ideas, don’t hesitate to explore my other beloved recipes like Crockpot Potato Soup, Loaded Baked Potato Soup, or the Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe. Here’s to many cozy nights with your new favorite Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale!
Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale
This hearty Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and nutritious kale in a flavorful broth for a comforting and easy-to-make meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups kale, ribs removed and chopped
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and add the chopped kale. Cook for about 5 minutes until kale is tender.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender and cooked through.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the broth or finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the taste.