Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the sausage, vitamins from the sweet potatoes and spinach, and comforting carbs from the tortellini.
- Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage and a creamy broth creates a rich and savory taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz three-cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh thyme for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large, high-sided pot over medium heat, add olive oil and crumbled Italian sausage. Season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Garlic: Add cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Water: Stir in tomato paste until well combined. Pour in 6 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add Tortellini: Introduce the three-cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
- Stir in Spinach and Cream: Add fresh spinach to the soup, stirring until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy broth. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use different types of tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta, or replace tortellini with gnocchi for a unique twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using hot Italian sausage and increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this soup due to the dairy content and the pasta, which may become mushy upon reheating.
FAQs
What type of tortellini works best for this soup?
Three-cheese tortellini is recommended, but you can use any variety, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled tortellini, based on your preference.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. You may need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that the sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free tortellini.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base in advance and add the tortellini and spinach when reheating to maintain their texture and freshness.
What can I serve alongside this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or garlic breadsticks.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a quick and hearty one-pot meal loaded with Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this comforting soup is packed with protein, vitamins, and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz three-cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Garlic: Stir in sweet potatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Water: Mix in tomato paste, then add water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in tortellini and cook as per package instructions (7–10 minutes).
- Stir in Spinach and Cream: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute with turkey or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for additional nutrition.
- Prep Time: : 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
