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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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