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 for serving (optional); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 18 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and bright, nutritious kale all swimming in a rich tomato broth with a touch of creaminess. Honestly, this recipe hits all the right notes when you want something satisfying but still fresh and flavorful.

I especially love how quick it comes together, making it a perfect weeknight supper. Plus, it’s one of those soups that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe a go-to that’s both practical and delicious.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The savory Italian sausage pairs beautifully with the tangy tomatoes and creamy broth, creating a comforting depth.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a fuss-free dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Nutrient-Rich: Adding kale not only brings color but packs this soup with vitamins and a slight earthy crunch.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap ingredients and spice levels to match your preferences or dietary needs without losing that cozy vibe.

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

This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe blends simple ingredients that effortlessly come together to form a hearty yet delicate soup. When shopping, look for fresh tortellini to elevate the texture, and if you can, pick kale with crisp, dark leaves for the best flavor.

Italian sausage: Mild works beautifully here for flavor without overpowering; remove casing for easy browning.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet base note once softened, enhancing overall soup depth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth that amplifies all the other flavors.
Chicken stock: Use a good quality stock or broth for richer flavor—you can’t fake this base!
Crushed tomatoes: They give the soup that wonderful tangy, savory tomato character.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to deepen the broth and add a subtle sweetness.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients beautifully.
Curly kale: Adds texture, color, and nutrition; remove tough stems for a tender bite.
Fresh tortellini: Soft, pillowy, and cheesy, it’s the star pasta here — fresh makes the biggest difference.
Heavy cream: Just a splash for richness and to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes.
Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds nuttiness and an extra layer of savoriness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): I like just a hint of heat to brighten the flavor without overwhelming the dish.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I stick to the original version most of the time, I love encouraging you to make this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe your own. Feel free to play around with the spice level or swap out kale for other greens you enjoy.

Spicy Variation: Adding more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne turns it into a cozy, spicy soup I personally crave during colder months.
Vegetarian Option: Try replacing the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives for a satisfying meat-free version.
Broth Swap: Vegetable broth instead of chicken to keep it lighter while still packed with flavor.
Kale Alternatives: Swiss chard or spinach work well if you want a different texture or if kale is not your favorite.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavors

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the Italian sausage along with chopped onions and minced garlic. I like to break the sausage up with a wooden spoon as it browns for even cooking and texture. Cook this mixture about 5 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Then, quickly drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy — this little step really makes a difference in the final flavor.

Step 2: Create the Brothy Tomato Base

Whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste right into the pot. This helps the tomato paste dissolve evenly, so you don’t get any clumps. Bring it to a boil, then add sea salt and reduce heat to simmer gently. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes — this soft simmer helps the flavors meld and the broth to reduce slightly, concentrating the taste.

Step 3: Add Kale, Tortellini, and Cream

Now, toss in the stemmed and torn kale along with fresh tortellini and heavy cream. Don’t over-stir here — you want the kale to wilt and the tortellini to cook through gently without breaking up. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the pasta is tender and the kale stays bright green, adding a lovely contrast in every spoonful.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Finishings

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle zing that wakes up all the flavors. It’s the perfect final touch to this already rich and comforting soup.

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Pro Tips for Making Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep cooking time short once tortellini is added — fresh pasta cooks fast and gets mushy if overdone.
Remove Tough Kale Stems: Those stems can be fibrous and bitter, so stripping them off before cooking ensures tender, delicious greens.
Brown Sausage Well: Browning adds caramelized flavor complexity that sets the tone for the whole soup.
Drain Excess Fat: Prevents greasy broth and keeps the soup lighter, letting other flavors shine.

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

I love topping this soup with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese — it melts slightly and adds a savory finish I just can’t skip. Sometimes I sprinkle just a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, especially on cold days when I want a bit of a cozy kick.

Side Dishes

A crusty Italian bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up all the delicious broth. For something lighter, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls—just hollow out small round loaves and ladle the soup inside for a charming presentation. Another idea is to garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the eye appeal and add fresh herbal notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a busy dinner, I like to portion out leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

Generally, I recommend freezing this soup before adding cream and pasta for best results, since fresh tortellini can get mushy when frozen. Freeze the base broth with sausage and kale, then thaw and add fresh tortellini and cream when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, just thin it out with a splash of broth or water. Adding a little extra Parmesan on top when reheating helps revive that fresh-from-the-pot taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for the Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just fine — just add them straight to the simmering soup and cook until tender, usually a minute or two longer than fresh. Keep an eye on the texture so they don’t overcook.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Simply skip the heavy cream or replace it with a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk for creaminess. Also, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it fully dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Is kale the only green that works in this recipe?

Not at all! I’ve swapped kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or even mustard greens, depending on what’s fresh and available. Each gives a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Can I make this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is fantastic for meal prep — just prepare it fully and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, and enjoy the comforting flavors anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it perfectly balances cozy comfort food with fresh, vibrant ingredients. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying on your table as it is on mine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a simple recipe that feels special—like a warm kitchen hug wrapped in a bowl.