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Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions


The delicious comforting flavors of our Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions will impress your tastebuds! This hearty recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and sweet caramelized onions for a delicious meal perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a family favorite dinner recipe you’ll want to enjoy again and again!

This is my second recipe for Sausage and Tortellini soup! Yes, I do love this soup, and we (I) needed two versions. They’re both tasty in their own right, but this second one has an additional element that elevates its flavor! Read on, and you’ll see.

In the meantime, you can check out my first Italian Sausage and Tortellini soup here.

Why you would love this recipe for Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions?

You will love the Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions because it combines rich, savory flavors with a comforting texture that warms the soul. The caramelized onions add a unique sweetness and depth that sets this soup apart, enhancing the overall flavor profile. With hearty Italian sausage and tender tortellini, every spoonful delivers a delightful balance of ingredients, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a gourmet meal at home without the fuss.

This recipe takes a little longer than similar recipes due to caramelizing the onions, but it’s well worth it!

Ingredients for Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions

The ingredients in the Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions serve specific purposes to create a rich and flavorful dish:

  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor when caramelized.
  • Butter: Used for caramelizing onions, adding richness to the soup.
  • Italian Sausage: Adds hearty protein and a savory, spicy kick.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs to infuse authentic Italian flavors.
  • Paprika and Red Pepper Flakes: Offer warmth and depth, with adjustable spice levels.
  • Carrots: Contribute sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements.
  • Chicken Broth: Acts as the soup’s base, providing moisture and flavor.
  • Tortellini: Adds a delightful cheesy element and makes the soup more filling.
  • Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Introduce acidity and richness, enhancing the soup’s depth.
  • Spinach and Kale: Add freshness, color, and nutrients to the dish.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all flavors.

Together, these ingredients create a comforting and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make this Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions

Prepare the Onions

  •  Slice the ends off the onion, removing the root and stem. Cut the onion in half, lengthwise from root to stem, placing the flat side of the onion down on the cutting board.
  •   Slice the onion halves into approximately ¼” wide slices from end to end.
  •   In a large pot or Dutch oven (do not use non-stick surfaces, as the onions will not caramelize as well), melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  •   Add the sliced onions to the pot, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, keeping the onions spread out evenly across the pan.
  •   Once the onions start getting soft, golden, and begin to brown, you may need to turn the heat down a bit, so they don’t burn. It is normal for them to stick to the pan, this is part of the caramelizing process.
  •   Add a pinch of salt and continue to stir occasionally, making sure the onions continue to brown evenly.
  •   As the onions begin sticking to the pan, scrape them off with a metal spatula every few minutes.
  •   Once all of the onions have turned a golden brown color, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing and adds a lovely tangy flavor to the soup.

Cook the Sausage and Aromatics:

  •   Push the caramelized onions to one side of the pot and add the Italian sausage to the other side. Chop the sausage into small pieces with your metal spatula and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  •   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Vegetables and Broth:

  •   Stir in the sliced carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly.
  •   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer : and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

Introduce Tortellini and Tomatoes:

  •   Add the fresh or frozen cheese tortellini and fresh tomatoes to the simmering soup.
  •   Simmer for the time indicated on the tortellini package, typically 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
  • Note: if you are cooking ahead and planning to store before eating, you can slightly undercook the tortellini, so that they finish cooking when you reheat it.

Season and Finish:

Stir in the tomato paste, adjusting to your taste. This adds depth and richness to the soup.

• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

• Just before serving, add the fresh baby spinach and kale. Gently stir, so as not to disrupt the tortellini, then place the lid on the pot, so the greens wilt.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil leaves.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy your Sausage Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor significantly.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
  • Storage: This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.
  • Freezing: Consider freezing portions without tortellini added; add them when reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite type of sausage. Feel free to substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can also use a plant-based alternative if you’re vegetarian. In this case, you’d want to also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the butter with olive oil.

What can I use instead of tortellini?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.


Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, dried tortellini will work in this recipe. However, adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Tortellini that’s fresh or frozen will typically cook faster than the dried tortellini that comes in a bag or box.


Do I have to use both baby spinach and kale, or can I choose one?
You can choose either baby spinach or kale or even use a dark, leafy green of your own preference. Regardless of your choice of dark, leafy greens, use the total amount suggested in the recipe. Smaller leaves, such as arugula, work well for this, too.


Can I add different vegetables to this soup?
Some of the vegetables that taste good in this soup include green beans, peas, celery, and/or bell peppers. You can also add white beans for additional fiber.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together.


What can I serve as a side dish with this soup?
This soup is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad.

This Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences!

Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions

Manila Spoon
The delicious comforting flavors of our Sausage and Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions will impress your tastebuds! This hearty recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and sweet caramelized onions for a delicious meal perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a family favorite dinner recipe you’ll want to enjoy again and again!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 342 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 large white or yellow onion, halved and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for caramelizing onions
  • 1 pinch salt, for caramelizing onions
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, optional, for deglazing
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your spice preference
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces fresh or frozen cheese or spinach and cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh ripe, diced tomatoes
  • 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste, add more for a thicker soup
2 cups fresh, baby spinach and baby kale leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions:

  • Slice the ends off the onion, removing the root and stem.
  • Cut the onion in half, lengthwise from root to stem, placing the flat side of the onion down on the cutting board.
  • Slice the onion halves into approximately ¼” wide slices from end to end

Caramelize the Onions:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven (do not use non-stick surfaces, as the onions will not caramelize as well), melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions to the pot, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, keeping the onions spread out evenly across the pan.
  • Once the onions start getting soft, golden, and begin to brown, you may need to turn the heat down a bit, so they don’t burn. It is normal for them to stick to the pan, this is part of the caramelizing process.
  • Add a pinch of salt and continue to stir occasionally, making sure the onions continue to brown efenly.
  • As the onions begin sticking to the pan, scrape them off with a metal spatula every few minutes.
  • Once all of the onions have turned a golden brown color, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing and adds a lovely tangy flavor to the soup.

Cook the Sausage and Aromatics:

  • Push the caramelized onions to one side of the pot and add the Italian sausage to the other side. Chop the sausage into small pieces with your metal spatula and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Vegetables and Broth:

  • Stir in the sliced carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer : and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

Introduce Tortellini and Tomatoes:

  • Add the fresh or frozen cheese tortellini and fresh tomatoes to the simmering soup.
  • Simmer for the time indicated on the tortellini package, typically 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Note: if you are cooking ahead and planning to store before eating, you can slightly undercook the tortellini, so that they finish cooking when you reheat it.

Season and Finish:

  • Stir in the tomato paste, adjusting to your taste. This adds depth and richness to the soup.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Just before serving, add the fresh baby spinach and kale. Gently stir, so as not to disrupt the tortellini, then place the lid on the pot, so the greens wilt.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish with shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil leaves.
  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy your Sausage Tortellini Soup with Caramelized Onions.

Notes

Tips and Tricks
Storing Leftovers
If storing leftovers, remove the tortellini with a slotted spoon and store separately from the soup, so that they remain fresh and intact. Otherwise, they will get soggy and fall apart if left in the soup. Reintroduce the tortellini to the soup before serving again. Do not overheat.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 14gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1256mgPotassium: 357mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 707IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Last updated on January 27th, 2025 at 06:05 pm

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