Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Joy

Warmth radiates through a steaming bowl of kielbasa tortellini soup, a comforting blend that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Hearty sausage and tender pasta dance together in a rich, flavorful broth that promises pure culinary delight.

Polish-style kielbasa brings robust smokiness to this easy weeknight meal.

Soft cheese-filled tortellini nestle perfectly among savory meat and vibrant vegetables.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures and bold flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Chunky and inviting, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

One taste will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with incredible aromas and pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What Ingredients Go In Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

For Protein and Flavor:
  • Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, hearty depth to the soup, choose a high-quality brand with robust spices.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a comforting base liquid, select low-sodium versions for better control of salt content.
For Texture and Substance:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that transforms the soup into a satisfying meal, look for fresh or frozen options with quality cheese filling.
  • Spinach or Kale: Vibrant greens that boost nutritional value and add a fresh, peppery finish to the soup.
For Aromatic Base and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps develop initial flavor and prevents sticking, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor-building trio that creates a robust vegetable foundation.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic punch and depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy brightness and slight acidity to balance the rich kielbasa.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that introduces complex, Mediterranean-inspired notes.
  • Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky character of the kielbasa with its warm, slightly spicy essence.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all other flavors in the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty complexity when sprinkled on top.

Tools To Use For Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Prep

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup.
  • Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing browned kielbasa without excess oil.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing kielbasa and chopping vegetables.
  • Sharp knife: Helps with precise vegetable and kielbasa cutting.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Cheese grater: Helps create fresh Parmesan cheese topping.

Follow These Steps For Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

  • Sizzling Sausage Start

Grab a large pot and warm some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in sliced kielbasa and let it dance until golden brown, creating those irresistible crispy edges. Scoop out the sausage and set it aside for later magic.

  • Veggie Symphony

In the same pot, welcome onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften and mingle, releasing their delicious aromas. Sprinkle in garlic for an extra flavor punch, creating a fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Broth and Seasoning Fusion

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, letting them swirl together. Introduce Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, building layers of mouthwatering flavor.

  • Tortellini Love

Slide tortellini into the pot, letting them swim and cook until perfectly tender. Watch them transform from little pasta pockets to soft, delightful morsels that soak up all the surrounding goodness.

  • Final Flourish

Reunite the crispy kielbasa with the soup. Toss in fresh spinach or kale, watching it wilt and add a vibrant green touch. Let everything cuddle together for a few moments, blending flavors.

  • Serving Celebration

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Grab some crusty bread and get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’ll warm your soul.

Helpful Tweaks For Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Flavor

  • Hearty Soup Hacks: Elevate Your Kielbasa Tortellini Experience
  • Smoky Flavor Boost: Swap regular kielbasa for a spicy or smoked variety to add extra depth and warmth to your soup. Different types of kielbasa can transform the entire flavor profile.
  • Veggie Power-Up: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the soup.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or swap with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the soup that still delivers incredible taste.

Serving Tips For Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

  • Cozy Bread Companion: Slice a rustic sourdough or warm garlic baguette to dip into the rich, hearty soup. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, creating delicious bites that complement the kielbasa and tortellini.
  • Cheesy Topping Delight: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese generously over each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly and add a creamy, salty dimension to the soup. Consider adding a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
  • Herb Garden Freshness: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves just before serving. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic touch that cuts through the soup's richness.
  • Protein Power Boost: For extra protein, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or add some shredded rotisserie chicken. These additions make the meal more filling and provide additional layers of flavor.

Keep Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Fresh For Another Day

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain tortellini's texture and prevent scorching.
  • Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep tortellini separate from soup when storing to prevent soggy pasta. Add fresh tortellini when reheating for best taste and consistency.
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Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty kielbasa tortellini soup brings Polish-inspired comfort to winter tables. Rich broth combines savory sausage and cheese-filled pasta, offering warmth that embraces hungry souls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
  • 12 oz (340 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Kielbasa: Sizzle kielbasa in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until golden brown edges form, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing their intricate flavors.
  3. Build Soup Base: Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes with their juices. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, creating a robust flavor profile.
  4. Cook Tortellini and Incorporate Proteins: Reduce heat and add tortellini, simmering until tender. Return kielbasa to the pot and introduce spinach or kale, allowing greens to wilt and meld with the soup’s rich essence.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, generously crown with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Complement with a rustic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Sear Kielbasa Perfectly: Brown sausage on medium heat to develop caramelized edges and lock in rich, smoky flavors without burning.
  • Vegetable Texture Control: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until just softened to maintain their subtle crunch and prevent mushy consistency.
  • Tortellini Timing Matters: Simmer tortellini precisely 5-7 minutes to achieve ideal tenderness without becoming overly soft or falling apart.
  • Customize Greens Wisely: Substitute spinach with kale for robust nutrition or omit for low-carb versions; add greens last to preserve vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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