Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Warm and comforting, creamy sausage tortellini soup is a delicious meal that everyone will love. This soup combines spicy Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, and cheese-filled tortellini in a smooth broth, making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something hearty.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make creamy sausage tortellini soup. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes to clean up later. The flavors are rich and satisfying, while the addition of sweet potatoes and fresh spinach adds nutrition to the dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup will warm your heart.
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 through. Drain off all excess grease to prevent oiliness.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour 6 cups of water into the pot, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste completely. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cover the pot again and cook at a gentle boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or according to the tortellini package instructions, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream gently to create a smooth, creamy broth.
- Taste the soup and optionally add salt if the sausage was not very salty. You may also add extra red pepper flakes if additional spiciness is desired. Garnish the soup with fresh thyme before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serve your creamy sausage tortellini soup warm in deep bowls. You can top it with extra fresh thyme or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
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. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. If adding extra cream, do so while reheating to maintain a creamy texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- You can add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more variety.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer.
Variation
You can make this recipe with different types of tortellini, like spinach or meat-filled varieties. You can also swap out the sweet potato for other root vegetables like carrots or squash.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze creamy sausage tortellini soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture of the tortellini may change when thawed. It’s best to cook the tortellini fresh and add it when reheating after freezing.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen tortellini without adjusting the initial recipe steps. Just cook for a few extra minutes until tender.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Add more vegetables and a vegetarian broth for flavor.
Enjoy making and savoring this delightful creamy sausage tortellini soup!
