Hey there, soup lovers! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Quick & Easy Ham and Sausage Tortellini Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Quick and Easy: As the name suggests, this soup is incredibly simple to make. You can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in about 30 minutes!16
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, salty ham, and cheesy tortellini creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds4. The hot sauce and mustard powder enhance the other flavors in the recipe1.
- Versatile: This soup is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to swap out ingredients, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the seasonings to your liking1.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please! This entire recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze2.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed12
- 1 small yellow onion, diced1
- 3 cloves garlic, minced12
- 3 tablespoons flour1
- 1 teaspoon dried basil1
- ½ teaspoon oregano1
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)1
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce1
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder1
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper4
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes12
- 1 cup heavy cream1
- 5 cups chicken broth1
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or spinach)12
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)14
- 1 cup diced ham
- Salt, to taste1
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant12.
- Add Flour and Spices: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Add the basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine1.
- Pour in Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream12.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together1.
- Add Tortellini, Ham, and Greens: Add the tortellini, diced ham, and kale (or spinach) to the soup. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the greens are wilted. If your tortellini needs longer cooking time, add the tortellini first, then the kale during the last few minutes13.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Serve hot and garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes12.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping1.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar salad for a complete and balanced meal3.
- Parmesan Cheese: Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor23.
Tips for Customization
- Veggies: Add carrots, zucchini, or any other vegetables you love23.
- Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage2.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness12.
- Creamy Tomato Broth: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or tomato paste for a creamy tomato broth24.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?Absolutely! Just add the frozen tortellini to the soup and cook until heated through1. Keep in mind that frozen tortellini may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.Can I make this soup ahead of time?Yes, you can! The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.Can I freeze this soup?While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the tortellini may change slightly. If you plan to freeze it, undercook the tortellini slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Enjoy!
I hope you love this Quick & Easy Ham and Sausage Tortellini Soup as much as I do! It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!
