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I stumbled upon this velvety sausage tortellini soup while trying to spice up our regular pasta evening. The way those soft tortellini and flavorful sausage float in that luscious broth with just a touch of spice creates a dinner wonder in half an hour. That dash of hot sauce and pinch of mustard powder? Believe me, they transform everything.
The Standout Features
This soup nails every flavor note—rich but not overwhelming, comforting yet still light. Adding a bit of kale or spinach keeps things nutritious while that tiny kick of heat brings all flavors together. It's just what you need when you want food that seems complicated but wasn't much trouble at all.
Grab These Ingredients
- Broth: Both veggie and chicken versions work wonderfully.
- Fresh Herbs: They add that perfect finishing pop.
- Cream: Just a splash for silkiness.
- Seasonings: The hot sauce and mustard powder do wonders.
- Greens: Go with spinach or kale, your pick.
- Fresh Tortellini: Those cheese-stuffed pasta gems.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Don't skimp here, quality counts.
Cooking Steps
- Final Touch: Mix in the greens and cream, letting everything wilt perfectly.
- Add The Stars: Toss in tortellini and cook until they're just tender.
- Make It Soupy: Pour broth in and let everything bubble together.
- Build The Base: Toss in vegetables and spices to mingle.
- Start With Sausage: Cook it thoroughly, breaking into small chunks.
Pro Tips
Toss in a parmesan rind during simmering for extra richness. Use spinach instead of kale if you want something gentler. Fresh tortellini tastes better and cooks faster than the dried kind. Adjust the hot sauce amount until it matches your spice preference.
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Storage Notes
Stays good in your fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When warming up, do it slowly and add a bit of broth if needed. Smart move: cook fresh tortellini when reheating to keep them just right.
Equipment Basics
A decent soup pot around 4 quarts works great. Have your spices and measuring spoons nearby. Good storage containers that won't drip are helpful. A small kitchen scale comes in handy for getting the right amount of sausage.
Tasty Variations
Go for turkey sausage to make it healthier. Throw in whatever veggies you've got—maybe some carrots or celery. Want more kick? Go with hot Italian sausage and add some red pepper flakes. Try different tortellini flavors for fun twists.
Serving Suggestions
Grab some crunchy bread to soak up all that amazing broth. A simple salad with zingy dressing balances everything nicely. Sprinkle extra cheese or a small spoonful of pesto on top for something special.
Common Questions
Can you prep early? Sure, just add tortellini when reheating. Frozen pasta works too but might take longer to cook. Switch out any greens you want. Need a lighter version? Try reduced-fat cream and turkey sausage works great.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this be made with a slow cooker?
- Sure! Brown the sausage first and mix in flour. Cook all ingredients except cream and tortellini for 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 on low. Add kale near the finish and stir warm cream in afterward.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. To keep things fresh, cook tortellini separately if you’re planning to save portions, so it doesn’t soak up all the broth.
- → Can anything swap out the kale?
- Definitely. Sub 2-3 cups of spinach instead. Stir it in right after cooking the tortellini and let it soften for half a minute.
- → What do mustard powder and hot sauce do?
- They amp up all the other flavors without adding real heat. Even if you're unsure, they’re worth trying.
- → What tortellini works here?
- Go for either refrigerated or frozen kinds. RANA’s refrigerated cheese tortellini is a great pick.
Conclusion
Ready in half an hour, this rich soup features creamy broth, cheese tortellini, hearty sausage, and kale. A simple choice for busy nights.