One chilly evening, the craving for something warm and comforting hit hard. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, and inspiration struck: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it always hits the spot. It’s surprisingly quick and easy, and the flavors are simply irresistible.
This creamy, dreamy soup is packed with delicious ingredients like sweet potatoes, spinach, garlic, and three-cheese tortellini, all simmered in a rich and savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder, too, which means less cleanup for you!
Why You’ll Love It
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient:
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this comforting soup. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy, comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sausage, sweet potatoes, spinach, and creamy broth is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- Sausage (spicy Italian, mild, or sweet; chicken or turkey sausage also works)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika (regular or smoked)
- Red pepper flakes
- Sweet potato (one large or two small)
- Tomato paste
- Water
- Tortellini (any flavor)
- Spinach
- Heavy cream (half-and-half or milk can be substituted)
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sweet potato, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic is fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package directions.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Season with salt and additional red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
Notes
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat. For a richer flavor, don’t drain all the sausage grease. If using mild sausage, consider adding a bit more red pepper flakes for a balanced flavor profile. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than dried, so be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or leafy greens like kale or chard for added flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:
- Sausage: I prefer spicy Italian sausage for a kick, but mild or sweet Italian sausage works too. You can even use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Aromatics and Spices: Garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika (regular or smoked), and a pinch of red pepper flakes add depth and warmth. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Sweet Potato: One large or two small sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. They add a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the soup.
- Tomato Paste: A tablespoon of tomato paste adds richness and umami. Don’t skip this!
- Water: You don’t need chicken stock for this recipe, as the sausage infuses plenty of flavor into the broth.
- Tortellini: I love three-cheese tortellini, but any flavor will do. Use fresh or frozen.
- Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds a boost of nutrients and color.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious creamy base. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk if needed.
- Fresh Thyme: For garnish and a hint of herbal flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Spices
Add the sweet potato, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Simmer
Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Tortellini Time
Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions.
Step 5: Spinach and Cream
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and additional red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup even better:
- Sausage Power: Don’t drain *all* the sausage grease. Leaving a little bit adds extra flavor. You can always skim off any excess before serving if you prefer.
- Spice It Up: If you’re using mild sausage, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. A little heat balances the creamy richness.
- Tortellini Time: Follow the package directions for cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks much faster than dried.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in the cream right at the end. This prevents it from curdling.
- Storage Smarts: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to check out our other delicious soup recipes. They’re perfect for cooler evenings!
Flavor Twists
Here are a few fun ways to change up this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:
- Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms along with the sweet potatoes for an earthy twist.
- Greens Galore: Swap the spinach for kale, chard, or any other leafy green.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the sweet potatoes for extra veggies and flavor. For dessert lovers, be sure to visit our desserts section for sweet treats!
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, absolutely! You can use any type of Italian sausage you like – mild, sweet, or spicy. Just adjust the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This soup is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream may separate slightly when refrigerated, but it will recombine when reheated.
Can I use something other than heavy cream?
While heavy cream adds a lovely richness, you can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk.
Is there a gluten-free option for the tortellini?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands now offer gluten-free options.
How to Serve
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides for a complete dinner:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Because garlic and cream were made for each other. If you want to explore more Korean dishes, our Korean Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try!
That’s a Wrap
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable to whatever your family loves. I hope this recipe becomes a new weeknight staple for you! Share your creations with me – I love seeing your culinary adventures! Now, if you’re looking for another heartwarming dish, try our delicious Slow Cooker Korean Beef Stew.
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