Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes

A comforting and hearty soup that combines the earthy flavors of broccoli rabe with savory sausage and tender tortellini, perfect for any season.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-06T18:33:54.664Z

This Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delicious combination of flavors, bringing together the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe with the richness of sausage. It's a perfect one-pot meal that warms the soul and fills the belly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful balance of flavors with a hint of spice from the sausage
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Nutritious and packed with greens for a healthy meal

A Hearty Meal in a Bowl

This Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup is more than just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly day. The combination of savory sausage and tender tortellini creates a rich base that harmonizes beautifully with the slightly bitter, earthy notes of broccoli rabe. Each spoonful is a delightful experience, offering a balance of flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families on the go. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a homemade dish that feels like it took hours to prepare. Plus, the one-pot method means less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to its comforting flavors, this soup is packed with nutrition. Broccoli rabe is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that support overall health, making this dish not only delicious but also a smart choice for those looking to incorporate more greens into their diet.

The Italian sausage adds a hearty protein component, making this soup a balanced meal that can fuel you through your day. When paired with tortellini, you have a delightful combination of carbs and protein that will keep you satisfied. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this soup covers all your bases.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the best aspects of this Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also add other vegetables such as spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients. If you're a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds richness to the soup. Don't hesitate to play around with the ingredients to make this recipe your own, ensuring every bowl is tailored to your taste.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious soup:

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli rabe, chopped
  • 1 cup cheese tortellini
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook the Sausage

Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Broth and Greens

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Cook the Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.

Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting soup!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A slice of garlic bread pairs particularly well, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.

If you're looking to impress at a dinner gathering, serve the soup in individual bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. This adds not only visual appeal but also additional layers of flavor that elevate the dish.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as the tortellini can absorb some of the liquid during storage.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ What can I substitute for broccoli rabe?

You can use kale or spinach as a substitute if you can't find broccoli rabe.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just leave out the tortellini, as it may become mushy when thawed.

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Tortellini Soup

A comforting and hearty soup that combines the earthy flavors of broccoli rabe with savory sausage and tender tortellini, perfect for any season.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  5. 4 cups chicken broth
  6. 2 cups broccoli rabe, chopped
  7. 1 cup cheese tortellini
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 02

Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.

Step 05

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 24g