Cozy Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from this delightful kielbasa tortellini soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Polish sausage adds robust flavor to this hearty kitchen creation.

Tender tortellini float like little pillows in a rich, savory broth.

Chunks of smoky kielbasa deliver bold, meaty notes throughout each spoonful.

Vibrant vegetables provide color and extra nutrition to this soulful soup.

Simmering ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for chilly evenings when hunger calls for something deeply comforting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Kielbasa: Smoky sausage that adds rich, hearty flavor and protein to the soup, choose a high-quality Polish-style sausage with good marbling for extra taste.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base, select low-sodium version for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup mirepoix creating depth of flavor, look for fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies overall taste, choose fresh cloves for maximum pungency.
• Spinach or Kale: Nutrient-dense greens that add color and freshness, pick crisp leaves without wilting.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and acidity, canned tomatoes work perfectly for consistent flavor.

• Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend that elevates soup's complexity, choose a mix without added salt.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness, opt for high-quality Spanish or Hungarian varieties.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes soup more substantial, select fresh or refrigerated for optimal texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty garnish that adds richness, grate fresh for most intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, choose extra virgin for best taste.

Gear Up to Make Kielbasa Tortellini Soup

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup with plenty of space.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing browned kielbasa without excess oil.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing kielbasa, chopping vegetables, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise vegetable and sausage cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into individual bowls smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately adding seasonings and spices.

Cooking Tips for Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Fans

• Brown the Kielbasa

Sizzle sliced sausage in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until golden and crispy, around 4-5 minutes. Scoop out the meat and set aside.

• Soften the Veggies

In the same pot, toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they become tender and fragrant. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute.

• Build the Soup Base

Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

• Cook the Pasta

Drop tortellini into the simmering liquid. Let them dance and cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re perfectly tender.

• Finish and Garnish

Toss the reserved kielbasa back into the pot. Quickly wilt some fresh spinach or kale into the soup. Ladle into bowls and crown with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve alongside a crusty slice of bread for dunking.

Make Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Rich and Hearty

• Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar or crumbled feta for a bolder flavor profile that adds extra depth to the soup.
• Prepare the soup base in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh tortellini and kielbasa just before serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version of the soup that still packs tremendous flavor.
• Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable broth to create a completely meat-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates by reducing or eliminating spicy seasonings.

Serve Kielbasa Tortellini Soup with Warmth

• Cozy Bread Pairing: Slice a rustic sourdough or crusty French baguette to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or crumble some sharp aged cheddar on top for an intense flavor boost that complements the smoky kielbasa perfectly.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop some fresh parsley, basil, or chives and scatter them over the soup to brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a creamy texture and provide an extra protein kick that makes the soup more filling.

Store and Heat Up Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Right

• Prepare a double batch of soup and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Each portion stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated in sealed containers.
• This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Separate cooled soup into airtight freezer containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Keep tortellini separate when storing to prevent soggy noodles. Store cooked tortellini and soup base separately, then combine just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• When warming leftover soup, add splash of extra chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent thickness. Stir occasionally and heat on medium-low to maintain soup's original flavors and prevent burning bottom of pot.

FAQs

• What is kielbasa and where does it come from?

Kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage made from pork or a blend of pork and beef, known for its distinctive smoky flavor and slightly coarse texture. It originated in Poland and is a popular ingredient in Eastern European cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of sausage if kielbasa is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille, smoked bratwurst, or chorizo. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the soup, but will still provide a delicious and hearty result.

• Is this soup considered a complete meal?

Absolutely! This kielbasa tortellini soup is packed with protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the tortellini, and nutrients from the vegetables, making it a well-balanced and filling one-pot meal that can easily stand alone as a complete dinner.

• How can I make this soup more spicy or flavorful?

To enhance the soup’s flavor, you can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or increase the amount of smoked paprika. For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste during the vegetable sautéing stage.

Hearty Kielbasa Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty kielbasa tortellini soup delivers comforting Polish-inspired flavors in one delightful bowl. Cheese-filled pasta and smoky sausage combine with vegetables for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Sear Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sizzle kielbasa slices until edges caramelize and turn golden-brown, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove browned sausage and set aside on a separate plate.
2. Build Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and translucent. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously to release its fragrant essence. This foundational layer will infuse the soup with deep, complex flavors.
3. Construct Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Allow the concoction to reach a gentle simmer, melding the seasonings and creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Incorporate Pasta and Protein: Lower heat to medium and add tortellini, cooking until pasta becomes tender. Reintegrate the previously browned kielbasa into the simmering liquid. Gently fold in spinach or kale, allowing the greens to wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
5. Finalize and Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls. Garnish each portion with a delicate dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve alongside crusty bread to complete this comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Sear Kielbasa Perfectly: Brown sausage edges carefully to develop deep, caramelized flavor without burning, ensuring maximum taste and texture in the soup.
• Vegetable Timing Matters: Sauté vegetables sequentially – start with longer-cooking items like carrots and onions, then quickly add garlic to prevent bitter burning and maintain fresh aromatics.
• Tortellini Texture Technique: Avoid overcooking tortellini by monitoring closely during 5-7 minute simmering period; pasta should remain tender yet firm, preventing mushy consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage for vegetarian version, use gluten-free tortellini for celiac-friendly adaptation, or include extra vegetables for increased nutritional density.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg