Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Introduction

Are you in the mood for a warm, comforting bowl of soup? Look no further! This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of spicy sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings, and it’s easy to whip up in no time.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this soup is a great idea for many reasons. First, it’s packed with flavor thanks to the spicy Italian sausage and fresh ingredients. Second, it is a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup after dinner. Lastly, it’s nutritious and filling, making it a perfect choice for families or when you want something hearty.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

12 oz spicy Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon salt (optional, based on sausage saltiness)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (or 2 small)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 oz fresh spinach
4 tablespoons fresh thyme (for topping)
6 cups water
8 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini (e.g. Buitoni brand)
½ cup heavy cream

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided pot over medium heat.
Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage and cook for several minutes, stirring often until fully cooked. Drain excess grease to avoid oiliness.
Sprinkle the sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Pour 6 cups of water into the pot, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Add the refrigerated tortellini to the soup. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or according to the tortellini package instructions, until pasta is tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt slightly. Remove from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream for a smooth broth.
Taste the soup and add salt if needed. You can also add extra red pepper flakes for more heat. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Serve this delicious soup hot in bowls. You can add some crusty bread on the side for dipping, which makes it even more satisfying. A sprinkle of extra thyme on top will enhance its look and flavor.

How to Store Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.

Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Feel free to adjust the spice level by using mild sausage or reducing the red pepper flakes.
You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or even add some carrots for extra veggies.
For a low-carb option, you could use zucchini noodles instead of tortellini.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, kale, or corn. Switch out the sausage for chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just cook it according to package instructions and add it to the soup.

Q: Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water to maintain flavor.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the soup in advance, but it’s best to add the tortellini shortly before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.