Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. This hearty soup combines sweet potatoes, spinach, and three-cheese tortellini in a rich and creamy broth, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or gatherings. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, you can whip up this meal in just 40 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this satisfying soup ready in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet potatoes, spinach, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies to make this soup your own.
• Comfort Food Classic: This creamy soup is the epitome of comfort food, great for warming up on chilly days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large high-sided pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large high-sided pot: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows for ample space to stir ingredients without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for gently mixing the ingredients without damaging your pot.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for quickly and safely preparing your vegetables.

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Ingredients

For this delightful Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need:

• 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 (or use 2 small) peeled, cubed
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 6 cups water
• 8 oz tortellini (I used three-cheese tortellini (refrigerated) – Buitoni brand)
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme

How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat.
• Add crumbled sausage to the pot.
• Cook for several minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain all grease. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and paprika.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

• Mix in peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot.

Step 3: Combine with Water

• Pour in 6 cups of water. Note that chicken stock isn’t necessary; the sausage adds plenty of flavor.

Step 4: Boil the Mixture

• Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir well to ensure the tomato paste dissolves completely.

Step 5: Simmer for Potatoes

• Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

• Add tortellini to the soup in the pot. Cover again and boil over medium heat according to package instructions (approximately 10 minutes).

Step 7: Incorporate Spinach

• Stir in fresh spinach just before serving until it wilts slightly.

Step 8: Finish with Cream

• Remove from heat. Add heavy cream and stir well to combine.

Step 9: Seasoning

• Taste before adding salt; if needed, season with salt and additional red pepper flakes to adjust spice levels. Top with fresh thyme before serving.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Serving Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it feel special. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh thyme: Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme on top for an aromatic touch.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.

Add a Dash of Spice

• Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy heat, add extra red pepper flakes to individual bowls.
• Hot sauce: Provide a variety of hot sauces for guests to customize their spice level.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic bread: Pair the soup with warm garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
• Sourdough: A slice of sourdough bread complements the creamy texture perfectly.

Include Cheese Options

• Parmesan cheese: Grate Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella pearls: Add fresh mozzarella pearls for a melty surprise in every bite.

How to Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

To ensure your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage greatly impacts the overall taste. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
• Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste the soup before adding salt; if using salty sausage, you may not need much additional seasoning.
• Don’t overcook tortellini: Follow package instructions closely to avoid mushy tortellini. They should be tender but firm.
• Add spinach at the end: Incorporate spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Experiment with cheese types: Feel free to try different cheese tortellini varieties for unique flavors in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can complete your meal nicely. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch and a tangy dressing that balances the creaminess of the soup.
2. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy complement and add color to your plate.
4. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella brings brightness to your meal.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds a refreshing element alongside the rich soup.
6. Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm, cheesy breadsticks are irresistible for soaking up every bit of delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold seasoning mistakes: Not adjusting the seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Taste as you go, especially when adding salt, and adjust based on the sausage’s saltiness.
• Bold overcooking tortellini: Following package instructions is key; overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Keep an eye on the time and test for doneness.
• Bold skipping the sauté step: Skipping the initial cooking of the sausage might lead to less flavor. Sautéing develops rich flavors that enhance your soup.
• Bold neglecting vegetable prep: Failing to cube sweet potatoes uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even tenderness.
• Bold not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or frozen spinach may compromise taste and texture. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and enhances the dish visually.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute spicy Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option while still maintaining great flavor.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative.

What can I add for extra vegetables?

Feel free to include vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Just chop them finely and add them when cooking the sweet potatoes.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just follow package instructions for cooking frozen tortellini; it may require slight adjustments in cooking time compared to refrigerated ones.

How do I store leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the protein used. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!