Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage tortellini soup is not only delicious but also a well-rounded meal with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. The balance of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach makes it a satisfying comfort food. The creamy broth enhances the flavors and makes it irresistibly smooth and flavorful, while the tortellini adds a satisfying bite. Best of all, this recipe is simple, requiring just one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 lb crumbled Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add cubed sweet potatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Pour in 6 cups of water, stir, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the tortellini and cook for 10 minutes, covered, until the tortellini is cooked.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt in the soup.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes if needed.
- Serve the soup topped with fresh thyme.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cream and use coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy: If you like more heat, use spicy sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, separate the tortellini and soup before storing.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve, adding extra cream if needed to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken stock instead of water?
Yes, you can use chicken stock, but water works well since the sausage provides a lot of flavor to the soup.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
3. How do I make this soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
4. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrients.
5. Is it okay to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything except the heavy cream ahead of time. Just add the cream when you're ready to serve.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For best texture, separate the tortellini and soup before storing.
7. Can I use sweet potato puree instead of cubed sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potato puree, but it will result in a slightly different texture. The cubes provide a nice bite.
8. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker to cook the rest of the ingredients on low for 4 hours.
9. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or any gluten-free pasta in place of regular tortellini.
10. How can I make this soup thicker?
You can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to thicken it, or add more heavy cream for a richer texture.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a hearty and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a balance of protein, vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on cold days. Easy to make and perfect for leftovers, this soup is a must-try recipe for your weeknight dinner rotation.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, tender sweet potatoes, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-pot soup is hearty, flavorful, and simple to make, offering a satisfying meal that will warm you up on cold days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 lb crumbled Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add cubed sweet potatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Pour in 6 cups of water, stir, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the tortellini and cook for 10 minutes, covered, until the tortellini is cooked.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt in the soup.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes if needed.
- Serve the soup topped with fresh thyme.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an added kick.
