Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal to enjoy with family or friends, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth and flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet potatoes, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini comes together in a creamy broth that is simply irresistible. Trust me, this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home!

Whether it’s a chilly evening or just one of those days when comfort food is necessary, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s rich and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites while being simple enough to whip up in just 40 minutes. You might just find yourself making this soup a regular part of your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time washing dishes!
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy tortellini, everyone at the table will love this comforting bowl of goodness.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to customize it with whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezes beautifully for future meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is easy! You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome, ensuring a deliciously satisfying meal every time.

For the Soup Base

• 12 oz sausage (such as spicy Italian sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
• 1 sweet potato (large, peeled, cubed)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 6 cups water

For the Add-Ins

• 8 oz tortellini (I used three-cheese tortellini from Buitoni brand)
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: Use a different type of tortellini like spinach or mushroom for a unique twist.
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large, high-sided pot over medium heat. Once hot, add crumbled sausage. Cooking until browned not only adds flavor but creates a lovely base for our soup. Be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking!

Step 2: Season and Add Veggies

Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Then add your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes along with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. These ingredients will bring depth and warmth to your soup.

Step 3: Create the Broth

Pour in 6 cups of water. There’s no need for chicken stock here; the sausage provides plenty of flavor! Bring everything to a boil and give it a good stir so that the tomato paste dissolves completely.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover your pot with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This step allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Add your tortellini directly into the pot. Cover again and let it boil for about 10 minutes, following the cooking time indicated on your tortellini package. This ensures they’re perfectly tender!

Step 6: Finish with Spinach & Cream

Finally, stir in fresh spinach right at the end until it wilts slightly. Remove from heat and mix in heavy cream for that luscious texture we all crave.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Taste your soup before serving; you may find that no additional salt is needed if your sausage was salty enough. Adjust seasoning as preferred and top each bowl with fresh thyme before enjoying!

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right sausage: Using a flavorful sausage, like spicy Italian or chicken sausage, enhances the overall taste of your soup. It adds depth and richness without needing additional stock.

• Prep ahead of time: If you’re short on time during the week, chop your sweet potatoes and garlic in advance. This way, you can whip up this delicious meal even faster on busy nights.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, start with less cream and add more to achieve your desired richness. This allows you to customize the texture according to your taste!

• Season to taste: Always taste your soup before adding salt. The seasoning from the sausage can vary significantly, so it’s best to adjust based on that for optimal flavor.

• Store leftovers properly: If you have leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Serving this hearty soup can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or basil: Chopped fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy broth beautifully.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top provides an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or garlic bread for dipping—it’s perfect for sopping up every last drop of that rich broth!

Side Dishes

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in a tangy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks not only pair well with soup but also make for wonderful dippers!
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs adds nutritious color to your meal while complementing the flavors in the soup.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette can provide a healthy side that balances out the richness of the tortellini soup.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup will be a hit at any dinner table! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, avoid freezing if you’ve added cream; instead, add it during reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in intervals and stirring between them.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different type of sausage in my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any other variety that suits your taste. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup.

How do I make my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup spicier?

If you like a kick, consider using spicy sausage or adding extra red pepper flakes. You can always adjust the spice level based on your preference!

Can I substitute fresh spinach in this recipe?

Yes! If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use kale or even frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach before adding it to the soup.

What can I serve with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?

This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. You could also enjoy it with some garlic bread for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Enjoy every spoonful and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!