Name: Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound mild Italian sausage, ground or casing removed; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 quart chicken stock; 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 bunch curly kale, stemmed and roughly torn; 10 ounces fresh tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 23 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe might just become your new favorite. What makes this soup stand out is the blend of tender cheese-filled tortellini paired with savory Italian sausage and hearty kale all simmered in a rich tomato and cream broth. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something satisfying but not complicated.

I’ve made this soup on hectic evenings and also for small dinner parties, and it never fails to impress. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a go-to recipe when you want to feel like you’re indulging in homemade comfort food without slaving away. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage, savory broth, and tangy tomato creates a well-rounded flavor profile that’s comforting and exciting.
Quick & Easy: This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritious & Hearty: Kale adds a nutritional boost and texture contrast that elevates the dish beyond typical pasta soups.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients like sausage type or use different greens, so it fits your tastes and pantry staples.

A black round pot filled with a creamy orange soup, with light yellow tortellini pasta floating on top in several layers, mixed with dark green kale leaves and small pieces of browned meat spread evenly. The soup looks thick with a smooth texture and some visible red pepper flakes on the surface. A metal ladle with a long gold handle is placed inside the pot on the right side, resting on the white marbled textured surface. A white and gray striped cloth is partially visible in the background on the right side photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, look for good-quality fresh tortellini and choose your sausage based on your spice preference. Fresh kale adds vibrant color and nutrition, while the combination of canned tomatoes and tomato paste packs a rich umami punch.

Mild Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture that forms the base of the soup.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with sausage.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that brightens the overall flavor without overpowering.
Chicken Stock: Keeps the broth rich and savory without being too heavy.
Crushed Tomatoes: Offers acidity and heartiness, grounding the soup with tomato goodness.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the broth that deep, roasted undertone.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors naturally.
Curly Kale: Adds a slight bitterness and a lovely green crunch that balances the creamy broth.
Fresh Tortellini: Tender pasta that soaks up flavors while adding a delightful cheesy filling.
Heavy Cream: Brings warmth and richness, enchanting every spoonful.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): An extra splash of umami right before serving that I personally love.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little subtle heat at the end.

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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

I love playing around with this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or the season. It’s pretty forgiving and easy to tweak – you can dial up the spice or make it more veggie-forward with minimal effort.

Spicy Variation: Swap mild Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage if you crave more heat — I’ve done this when I want that extra kick!
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and add extra kale or mushrooms for added heartiness.
Seasonal Greens: Swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens depending on what’s fresh at the market.
Make It Gluten-Free: Try gluten-free tortellini or substitute with small gluten-free pasta shapes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics

I always start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground mild Italian sausage along with chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Using a wooden spoon, I break up the sausage as it browns evenly while the onions become translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. A quick tip: drain any excess fat afterwards to keep the soup from feeling greasy but don’t overdo it because some fat adds flavor.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next, whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste until everything is nicely blended. Bring the pot to a boil, add the sea salt, then lower the heat to a simmer. I let it cook down for about 15 minutes—this step concentrates the tomato flavors and makes the broth luscious.

Step 3: Add the Greens, Pasta, and Cream

Stir in the kale, fresh tortellini, and heavy cream to the pot. Since the tortellini cooks quickly, just 3 to 5 minutes on a simmer is enough for the kale to wilt and the pasta to become tender but not mushy. I like to keep an eye on the texture so it’s perfectly al dente and the kale still has a nice bite.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Finishing Touches

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. That sprinkle of cheese just elevates the whole experience — trust me, it’s worth it!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: They cook quickly in the broth, so add them last and watch the time to keep them tender but not mushy.
Drain Excess Fat: Italian sausage can release quite a bit of fat – drain some off after browning to keep the soup from being greasy.
Use Fresh Kale: Fresh kale brightens the soup with color and texture; remove the tough stems before adding for the best bite.
Adjust Cream Last: Add the heavy cream near the end to prevent curdling and preserve the beautiful color and creaminess of the soup.

How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe

A bowl filled with a creamy orange soup base, layered with yellow tortellini pasta floating on top, scattered dark green kale leaves adding texture, and pieces of cooked brown meat mixed throughout. Large white cheese shavings are spread over the dish, along with small red chili flakes on some pasta. The bowl is white with a silver spoon on the left side. It sits on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth with blue and white stripes partially visible below. In the background there is a small brown bowl with red chili flakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little personality. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a silky finish or even some chopped fresh basil if I have it on hand. These simple touches turn a great soup into something memorable.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving this soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The crunch of the bread contrasts nicely with the creamy soup, and the salad adds a fresh, bright element that balances everything.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try serving this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe in individual mini cocottes or rustic bread bowls – it’s always a crowd-pleaser! You could even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs on top for a special touch that makes the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge. Because the tortellini soaks up broth over time, I try to eat the leftovers within 2 days for best texture and flavor — reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Freezing

This soup freezes okay, but I recommend freezing it before you add the tortellini and cream. When ready to eat, defrost and then add fresh tortellini and cream, cooking just until tender. This keeps the textures fresh and the flavors bright.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add extra cream or Parmesan at this point if you want to freshen the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind frozen tortellini might take a minute or two longer to cook than fresh, so add them last and watch for doneness. Make sure not to overcook so they don’t become mushy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the soup base (sausage, broth, tomatoes, and kale) without the tortellini and cream. When you want to serve, thaw it and cook with fresh tortellini and cream to keep textures fresh and prevent the cream from curdling.
Can I substitute the kale with other greens?

Definitely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens all work well. Just adjust cooking times as some greens wilt faster than kale.
What type of Italian sausage should I use?

Mild Italian sausage works great for a balanced flavor, but if you like it spicy, go for spicy Italian sausage. You can also use sweet Italian sausage for a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can skip the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly and it won’t be as rich.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty but homey, and it never disappoints. Cooking it feels like making a little feast from simple ingredients, and the result is always rewarding. It’s flexible, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on rotation for your cold-weather dinners or whenever you crave a bowl of pure comfort.