Pin A hearty, comforting soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, and cheese tortellini, all simmered in an herby, creamy broth and finished with fresh spinach for a satisfying meal on chilly evenings.
This soup quickly became a family favorite in our home for its rich flavor and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Sausage and Seasoning: 12 oz (340 g) spicy Italian sausage, crumbled, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
- Vegetables and Flavorings: 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz / 340 g), peeled and cubed (or 2 small sweet potatoes), 5 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), 4 oz (115 g) fresh spinach
- Liquids and Pasta: 6 cups water, 8 oz (225 g) refrigerated three-cheese tortellini, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Step 2:
- Sprinkle cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir well to coat.
- Step 3:
- Add cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the water. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste.
- Step 5:
- Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 6:
- Add the tortellini to the soup. Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until pasta is just tender.
- Step 7:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 8:
- Remove the pot from heat. Gently stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Step 9:
- Season to taste with salt (if needed) and additional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Top with fresh thyme before serving.
Pin Our family gathers around the table every week, enjoying this warm soup as a comforting tradition.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Required Tools
Large high-sided pot with lid, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon or spatula, ladle, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortellini), Milk (tortellini, heavy cream), Egg (tortellini possibly sausage). May contain Soy (check sausage and tortellini labels), Sulfites (in sausage). If in doubt, double-check all ingredient packaging for allergen information.
Pin This creamy sausage tortellini soup is perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Spicy Italian sausage provides a robust flavor, but mild sausage can be used for a gentler taste.
- → Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, just follow package instructions for cooking time to ensure proper tenderness.
- → How can I adjust the heat level in this dish?
Modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
- → Is fresh thyme necessary or can dried be substituted?
Dried thyme works well; use 1 teaspoon dried to replace 4 tablespoons fresh thyme.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be frozen without the cream; add the cream when reheating for best texture.