Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is the perfect cozy meal that balances hearty flavors with a smooth, comforting texture. It brings together spicy Italian sausage and tender tortellini in a broth enriched by sweet potatoes and cream, making it a one-pot dish everyone will love on chilly evenings.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight and loved how everything came together with minimal fuss. Now it’s a go-to for when I want something both filling and quick.

Ingredients

• Sausage such as spicy Italian sausage: 12 ounces for bold and savory flavor choose fresh sausage with good marbling for the best taste
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon to cook the sausage and build flavor
• Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon to add herbaceous depth feel free to use a fresh blend or dried from a quality brand
• Paprika regular or smoked: 1 teaspoon for warmth and subtle smokiness
• Sweet potato: large, peeled and cubed to bring sweetness and body to the broth pick firm and bright-skinned potatoes
• Garlic: 5 cloves minced for aromatic pungency that complements the sausage
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon for a mild kick adjust based on your preference
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon to add richness and a touch of acidity
• Water: 6 cups this keeps the flavors light and lets the sausage shine without overpowering
• Tortellini: 8 ounces preferably fresh and filled with three cheeses for creaminess Buitoni is a reliable brand
• Fresh spinach: 4 ounces adds color and freshness to balance the richness
• Heavy cream: ½ cup incorporated at the end for smoothness
• Fresh thyme: 4 tablespoons for a fragrant finish
• Salt: as needed depending on the saltiness of the sausage

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add crumbled sausage. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely cooked through and no longer pink. Drain excess grease carefully to keep the soup rich but not oily. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and paprika over the sausage and mix well to coat evenly, releasing those aromas.

Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste:

To the pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together so the tomato paste slightly caramelizes and starts blending with the other ingredients. This step deepens the flavor and builds a great base.

Pour in Water and Simmer:

Add six cups of water. It is unnecessary to add chicken stock as the sausage provides a lot of flavor on its own. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Stir to dissolve all the tomato paste fully. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer with the lid partially on. Let it cook for 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and breaking up slightly.

Cook the Tortellini:

Add the tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cover and cook at a medium boil for about 10 minutes or according to the package instructions. This cooks the pasta perfectly in the broth and absorbs flavor.

Finish with Greens and Cream:

Turn off the heat and stir the fresh spinach into the hot soup, allowing it to wilt gently without losing its vibrant green color. Immediately add the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated for that signature creamy texture.

Season and Garnish:

Taste the soup and decide if you need additional salt or red pepper flakes. If the sausage was salty, you may not need any salt. Otherwise, add a little at a time until balanced. Top the soup generously with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant herbal note that ties everything together.

I remember making this for my family one winter and seeing everyone go back for seconds. The fresh thyme was my secret that elevated the whole dish with a fresh herbal punch.

Storage tips

Cool the soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. It will keep for about three to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens up.

Ingredient substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for pork sausage for a lighter option. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work but the sweetness is missed. Use any chewy cheese-filled pasta if tortellini is not available.

Serving suggestions

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy broth. A simple garlic bread also complements it wonderfully.

This soup is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights and busy days. Enjoy the rich flavors while knowing it’s simple to prepare and versatile to adapt.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use different sausage types?

Yes, mild or spicy sausage varieties work well. Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes accordingly to match your heat preference.

→ What type of tortellini is best for this dish?

Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini pairs nicely, but meat or vegetable-stuffed tortellini can also add unique flavors.

→ Can I substitute sweet potato with another vegetable?

Butternut squash or regular potatoes make good alternatives, offering similar texture and sweetness.

→ Is it necessary to add cream at the end?

The cream enriches the broth, giving it a smooth texture and depth of flavor. For a lighter version, reduce the cream or omit it.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of red pepper flakes or use milder sausage to control heat. Taste and season as you cook.