This Smoky Sausage and Greens Tortellini Broth is a hearty and flavorful dish, combining herby pork sausage, tender tortellini, and nutritious greens in a rich, smoky broth. The fennel, paprika, and chili flakes add depth and warmth, making it a perfect comforting meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
4 herby pork sausages, skins removed
Pinch of chili flakes
½ tsp fennel seeds, crushed
2 small leeks, cleaned and sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ tsp smoked paprika
900ml chicken stock
150g long-stemmed broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
300g tortellini
Parmesan, to finish

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Break up the sausagemeat and cook until golden and crispy, stirring and breaking it into smaller pieces.
Stir in the chili flakes and crushed fennel seeds, cooking for 1 minute.
Add the sliced leeks and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then mix in the smoked paprika.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini and cook gently, following the package instructions, until just tender.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle the broth into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 546 kcal
Fat: 23.9g
Saturated Fat: 9.4g
Carbohydrates: 48.4g
Sugars: 5g
Fiber: 9.7g
Protein: 29.7g
Salt: 3.6g

The Origins and Inspiration Behind This Dish

This recipe draws inspiration from Italian and Spanish cuisine, where flavored sausages, greens, and pasta often come together in hearty, rustic soups and stews. Italian tortellini, traditionally stuffed with cheese or meat, pairs beautifully with a flavorful broth infused with smoky, herby notes.

The use of smoked paprika and fennel seeds takes influence from Spanish and Mediterranean cooking, where spices are often used to enhance depth and complexity in simple dishes. The broth’s richness, derived from chicken stock and aromatics, mirrors traditional Tuscan-style soups that prioritize layered flavors, fresh ingredients, and a balance of textures.

This dish honors those traditions while adding a modern twist—using sausage for richness, greens for a nutrient boost, and tortellini for a satisfying bite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Smoky Sausage and Greens Tortellini Broth is not just another soup or pasta dish—it’s an elevated combination of comfort, flavor, and nourishment. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your meal rotation:

Deep, Smoky Flavor: Smoked paprika and fennel enhance the natural savoriness of the sausage, making the broth rich and aromatic.
Balanced Texture and Nutrition: The hearty sausage, soft tortellini, and tender-crisp greens create a perfectly balanced dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, yet packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this dish based on your dietary preferences and pantry staples.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient plays an essential role in building depth and texture, making this dish exceptionally satisfying.

Herby Pork Sausages: The sausage brings richness and a deep umami flavor. Removing the skins allows for browned, crumbled pieces that integrate seamlessly into the broth.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky note that gives the broth its signature depth and complexity.
Fennel Seeds: A key ingredient in Italian sausages, fennel seeds offer a subtle anise-like flavor that complements the pork.
Leeks and Garlic: The sweetness of leeks and the aromatic punch of garlic form the base of the broth, adding layers of flavor.
Chicken Stock: A savory, well-seasoned base that allows the ingredients to shine.
Tortellini: These cheese- or meat-filled pasta pockets provide a hearty, satisfying texture.
Long-Stemmed Broccoli: This nutrient-rich green adds freshness, slight crunch, and a hint of bitterness that balances the dish.
Chili Flakes: A subtle spicy kick that enhances the warming elements of the dish.

Best Ways to Serve Smoky Sausage and Greens Tortellini Broth

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways depending on the occasion:

1. As a Hearty Main Course

This broth is substantial enough to serve as a full meal on its own. Pair it with:

A slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich, smoky broth.
A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the hearty flavors.
A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top for an added layer of richness.

2. As an Elegant Dinner Party Starter

If you’re serving a multi-course meal, this dish makes a beautifully refined appetizer before the main course. Serve in smaller portions, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for presentation.

3. A Meal-Prep Friendly Lunch

This broth stores well and is perfect for making ahead. Pack it for work lunches or meal-prep portions in advance—the flavors only deepen over time.

Perfect Wine Pairings

Pairing this dish with the right wine enhances its flavors and creates a balanced dining experience:

White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the smoky richness while balancing the spicy kick.
Red Wine: A medium-bodied Chianti or Tempranillo works well with the herby sausage and paprika-infused broth.
Rosé: A dry rosé with floral notes highlights the freshness of the greens while softening the richness of the sausage.

Tips for the Best Smoky Sausage and Greens Tortellini Broth

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, follow these expert tips:

Brown the Sausage Well: Let the sausage crisp up properly for extra flavor and texture.
Use High-Quality Chicken Stock: A rich, homemade stock enhances the dish far more than store-bought options.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Since tortellini continues to soften in hot broth, cook it just until tender.
Adjust the Spice Level: Increase or decrease the chili flakes and smoked paprika based on your heat preference.
Let the Broth Rest Before Serving: Allowing it to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To get the best results, avoid these common mistakes:

Overcrowding the Pan: If the sausage is not properly browned, it won’t develop the deep, crispy texture that adds flavor to the broth.
Adding the Greens Too Early: Overcooking the greens reduces their vibrant color and texture. Add them towards the end of cooking for a slight bite.
Using the Wrong Pasta: Stick with tortellini or small stuffed pasta—larger pasta shapes won’t absorb the broth properly.
Skipping the Parmesan Finish: A final sprinkle of parmesan adds umami and richness, bringing all the flavors together.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Rich, Smoky, and Comforting: Perfect for cold nights or when you need a warm, hearty meal.
Packed with Protein and Greens: A well-balanced meal that nourishes without being too heavy.
Simple and Quick to Make: A one-pot recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
Versatile and Easily Adaptable: You can adjust the ingredients based on your dietary needs.

Conclusion

Smoky Sausage and Greens Tortellini Broth is more than just a soup—it’s a bold, deeply flavored dish that brings together rustic Italian and Spanish influences in one bowl. The herby sausage, smoky paprika, and fresh greens make this meal nutritious, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a quick, fuss-free weeknight meal, a dinner party-worthy dish, or a meal-prep staple, this broth ticks all the boxes. The combination of rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and warm, smoky depth makes it a standout addition to your recipe collection.

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