Save A hearty comforting soup featuring spicy Italian sausage sweet potatoes and cheese tortellini all simmered in an herby creamy broth and finished with fresh spinach for a satisfying meal on chilly evenings.
This recipe combines bold flavors with ease of preparation making it a go-to for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- Spicy Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) crumbled
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (regular or smoked)
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Sweet potato: 1 large (about 12 oz / 340 g) peeled and cubed or 2 small sweet potatoes
- Garlic: 5 cloves minced
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh thyme leaves: 4 tablespoons or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh spinach: 4 oz (115 g)
- Water: 6 cups
- Refrigerated three-cheese tortellini: 8 oz (225 g)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat Add the crumbled sausage and cook stirring frequently until browned and cooked through about 5&7 minutes Drain excess grease
- Step 2:
- Sprinkle cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika Stir well to coat
- Step 3:
- Add cubed sweet potatoes minced garlic red pepper flakes and tomato paste Mix thoroughly to combine
- Step 4:
- Pour in the water Increase heat and bring to a boil stirring to dissolve the tomato paste
- Step 5:
- Once boiling reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender
- Step 6:
- Add the tortellini to the soup Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 10 minutes or according to package instructions until pasta is just tender
- Step 7:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted about 1 minute
- Step 8:
- Remove the pot from heat Gently stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated
- Step 9:
- Season to taste with salt if needed and additional red pepper flakes for extra heat Top with fresh thyme before serving
Save This soup brings warmth and comfort to family dinners especially on chilly nights when everyone gathers around the table.
Notes
Soup can be prepared ahead and frozen omit cream if freezing and add it when reheating Dried thyme may be used if fresh is unavailable 1 teaspoon dried = 4 tablespoons fresh Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal For a lighter version substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
Required Tools
Large high-sided pot with lid Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula Ladle Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortellini) Milk (tortellini heavy cream) Egg (tortellini possibly sausage) May contain Soy check sausage and tortellini labels Sulfites in sausage If in doubt double-check all ingredient packaging for allergen information
Save This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a perfect blend of hearty and fresh flavors sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy?
Yes, swapping spicy Italian sausage for mild will create a gentler flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to maintain some heat if desired.
- → Is it possible to use frozen tortellini?
Frozen tortellini can be used; just follow the package instructions for cooking time to ensure it reaches the right tenderness.
- → What can I substitute for fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works well if fresh is unavailable. Use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme to replace 4 tablespoons fresh for similar flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers properly?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Omit cream if freezing; add it freshly when reheating to preserve texture.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative without compromising creaminess.