When cold weather dinner ideas take over our kitchen planning, nothing hits the spot quite like a steamy bowl of spicy tortellini soup with sausage and kale. This soup is cozy, rich, and packed with big, bold Italian flavors. Whether you're craving something creamy and cheesy or looking for an easy tortellini soup to whip up in your crockpot, this one checks every box. With spicy Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, tender kale, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a one-pot wonder that transforms basic ingredients into something seriously special. Trust me—this isn’t just any sausage soup. It’s the kind of tortellini soup you’ll want to make all winter long.
Spicy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven For stovetop cooking. Cast iron Dutch ovens hold heat well and develop rich flavor.
Slow cooker (optional) If you’re going for a crock pot tortellini soup version, this is perfect.
Wooden spoon Great for breaking up the sausage and stirring the soup.
Ladle For serving.
Sharp knife & cutting board For prepping your vegetables and kale.
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage casings removed; mild sausage if preferred
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream for that creamy finish
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chopped fresh kale ribs removed (or substitute with fresh spinach)
- 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
Broth & Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth preferably low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen tortellini if that's what you have)
Brown the Sausage
Heat your pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. If you're doing a crockpot version, you can still brown the sausage beforehand for better flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot (don’t drain the sausage fat—it’s flavor gold), reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the flavors meld for 10 minutes.
Stir in the Kale and Tortellini
Add your chopped kale and tortellini. Cook according to the tortellini package instructions—usually 5–7 minutes—until the tortellini are tender and floating.
Note: If you're doing a crockpot tortellini soup version, hold off on adding the tortellini until the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can cook everything else on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Make it Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and heat everything through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a few chili flakes if you like it spicy.
Pairings
This sausage kale tortellini soup is rich and satisfying, so you don’t need much to round it out—but here are a few ideas if you’re feeling fancy:
Bread
- Crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia: Something sturdy to soak up that creamy broth.
- Parmesan breadsticks: A cheesy, savory bite that echoes the flavors in the soup
Salad
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette: The peppery bite balances the soup’s richness.
- Tomato mozzarella salad: If you're leaning into Tuscan tortellini soup vibes, this pairs beautifully.
Drinks
- Pinot Grigio or a dry Chianti: Great for cutting through the creamy sausage & tortellini soup base.
- Sparkling water with lemon: For a non-alcoholic refreshment.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Many tortellini soup chicken variations exist. Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Add a bit more Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to bring in extra flavor.
2. What kind of sausage works best?
Spicy Italian sausage gives this dish its bold flavor, but mild sausage works too. Just avoid overly sweet varieties. For those avoiding pork, chicken or turkey sausage also work well in italian sausage soup recipes.
3. Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes! For tortellini soup crockpot style, brown your sausage first, then add everything except the tortellini and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Add the tortellini and cream in the last 30 minutes. This method makes for a delicious slow cooker tortellini & sausage soup (super creamy & delish!).
4. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Definitely. Many sausage spinach tortellini soup recipes do just that. Spinach wilts quicker, so add it at the very end of cooking. It gives a softer texture than kale but still adds great color and nutrients.
5. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Mostly. If you're making it ahead, cook the soup without the tortellini and cream, then freeze. When reheating, add fresh tortellini and cream for best texture. This way, your cheesy tortellini soup doesn’t get mushy after thawing.
