Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon hot sauce; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy cream; 5 cups chicken broth; 2 cups kale (chopped); 2 cups tortellini (just under 10 ounces, refrigerated or frozen); Salt to taste

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in no time, then this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of those cozy vibes we all love on a busy weeknight.

The image shows a silver pot filled with a colorful soup that has three main layers: the top layer has light yellow tortellini pasta floating in a rich orange-red broth, the middle layer has small green leafy pieces mixed with small bits of browned meat, and the bottom layer contains some orange carrot chunks submerged in the broth. A wooden spoon rests in the soup, slightly lifting some pasta and greens, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this soup, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl — rich Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh kale swimming in a luscious creamy broth. It’s simplicity and comfort wrapped into one.

Speedy and satisfying: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
Balanced flavors: The hot sauce and mustard powder add surprising depth without overpowering.
Versatile ingredients: Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini — no stress there!
Hearty and healthy: Kale adds a nutrient boost to this indulgent soup.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for ingredients, look for quality Italian sausage—whether hot or mild based on your spice love—and fresh kale that’s firm and vibrant. Using simple pantry staples like dried herbs and mustard powder really rounds out the flavor effortlessly.

Flat lay of fresh ground Italian sausage in a neat mound, a small diced yellow onion, three unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with white flour, dried basil and oregano sprinkled artistically on the surface, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes and cayenne powder arranged delicately, a small white bowl with creamy heavy cream, another white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, fresh chopped kale leaves, fresh uncooked tortellini pasta with a plump, folded shape, a small white bowl with coarse black pepper, and a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce powder, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Italian sausage: Brings meaty, savory richness and a touch of spice if you go hot.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that softens beautifully when cooked.
Garlic: Delivers that classic pungent punch that complements sausage so well.
Flour: The secret to thickening the broth into a luscious, creamy texture.
Dried basil: Infuses the soup with an earthy, slightly sweet herbaceous note.
Oregano: Gives a subtle Italian flair and depth to the seasoning.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat; use it if you like a little kick.
Hot sauce: Enhances the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.
Mustard powder: A subtle layer of tangy warmth that makes the broth interesting.
Black pepper: For gentle spice and bite.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in a bit for extra heat—it’s all about balance here.
Heavy cream: Makes the soup decadently creamy and smooth.
Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that carries all the flavors together.
Kale: Adds color, nutrition, and a tender bite to the soup.
Tortellini: The star pasta filled with cheese, making each spoonful extra special.
Salt: To adjust the flavor and bring everything to taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is how easy it is to play around with flavors and ingredients to make it truly yours. Whether you like it spicier, milder, or packed with more veggies, there’s plenty of room to customize without losing that comforting essence.

Spicy Kick Variation: I love swapping mild Italian sausage for hot sausage to amp up the heat. Adding extra cayenne pepper and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce at the end really brings the soup alive with warming spice.
Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, try substituting the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and adding a splash of soy sauce or smoked paprika to keep the soup cozy and flavorful. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth completes the swap perfectly.
Greens Swap: If kale isn’t your favorite, baby spinach or Swiss chard work wonderfully here, folding in just as nicely and adding their own unique texture and color.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella right before serving for an extra creamy, cheesy finish that makes the soup even heartier.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This image shows two side-by-side scenes of food cooking in a white pot on a white marbled surface. On the left, cooked brown ground meat mixed with small pieces of yellow onion is in the pot, and a transparent glass is pouring light yellow broth into it from the top right. On the right, the pot is almost full of a light yellow liquid with tiny bits of brown meat floating, and a transparent glass is pouring a thicker white liquid into it from the upper right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Vegetables

Remove the casings if you're using Italian sausage links, then crumble the sausage into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook everything together, stirring often, for about 8 to 10 minutes. This is when the aroma really starts to build, and you’ll notice the onions turning translucent and soft. Once the sausage is fully cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep your soup from getting too heavy. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute—just long enough for those fragrant garlicky notes to come forward without burning.

Step 2: Create the Roux with Flour

Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over your sausage and onion mixture. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes—the key here is to cook out that raw flour taste so your soup starts with a smooth, velvety base. You’ll notice the mixture thicken slightly and get a bit glossy, which signals that your roux is just right.

Step 3: Season with Love

Add all your spices—dried basil, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to blend those flavors evenly into the base. This step is where the soup’s character really deepens, so don’t skip the mustard powder and hot sauce; trust me, they add a lovely subtle complexity.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream, Then Simmer

Pour in the 5 cups of chicken broth, and use a silicone spatula to gently scrape the bottom of your pot. This makes sure you gather up those tasty browned bits your sausage left behind, adding richness to the soup. Slowly stir in the cup of heavy cream, then bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently — the perfect time to prep any sides like garlic bread!

Step 5: Toss in the Kale and Tortellini

Add the 2 cups of chopped kale and 2 cups of tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cook this mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the tortellini are tender and the kale is nicely wilted. If you happen to have tortellini that requires longer cooking, just add it first and then toss in the kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Watching the kale soften and the little pasta pillows plump up is always so satisfying.

Step 6: Season, Serve, and Enjoy

Give your soup a taste and add salt starting with about ¼ teaspoon, then adjust to your preference. Ladle it into bowls and serve while hot. I highly recommend pairing this with cheesy garlic bread on the side for the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Top Tip

These tips are here to make your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe turn out perfectly every time, bringing out the best flavors and textures.

Drain the Sausage Grease: I always make sure to drain the excess grease after cooking the sausage to keep the soup from becoming too oily, which keeps the broth nice and creamy without feeling heavy.
Add Kale at the Right Time: >Since kale can get tough if overcooked, adding it during the last few minutes ensures it stays tender but still bright green — it really makes a difference!
Don’t Skip the Mustard Powder and Hot Sauce: Though subtle, these two ingredients add a beautiful depth and complexity; I learned through trial and error that skipping them makes the soup feel a bit flat.
Use a Silicone Spatula to Deglaze: Scraping and stirring the browned bits off the bottom of your pot when adding broth adds so much rich, savory flavor to the soup — don’t rush this step!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup containing four pale yellow ravioli floating near the surface. The soup has mixed textures, with brown ground meat pieces and dark green kale leaves scattered throughout. There are small bits of diced carrots and light potatoes adding more detail in the white creamy broth. Red chili flakes are sparingly sprinkled on top for a splash of color. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface under soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for a salty, nutty finish. A few torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a lovely herbal pop. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can give it a pleasant kick.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread with melted cheese is a classic and irresistible pairing that soaks up the creamy broth beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely to balance the richness. For something heartier, roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans are a great option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy fresh flavors and textures.

Freezing

This soup doesn’t freeze quite as well because the cream and tortellini can change texture when thawed, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the kale and tortellini. Then, add fresh kale and cook tortellini freshly when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. Add extra kale or cooked tortellini if needed for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild sausage instead of hot for this soup?

Absolutely! You can use either hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference. The recipe is flexible, and you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to boost the heat.

Do I have to use fresh kale or can I substitute something else?

Fresh kale is preferred for the texture and flavor it brings, but you can substitute with baby spinach or Swiss chard for a similar leafy green element. Just keep an eye on cooking times since some greens cook faster.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can try substituting the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly, but you’ll still get that creamy texture.

How long does it take to make this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe?

From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes — 5 minutes of prep and around 25 minutes cooking time, perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to comfort foods—it’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together on a busy night. There’s something so cozy about the combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant kale in that luscious broth. I hope you enjoy making this soup as much as I do, and that it brings a little warmth and comfort to your table!