Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. This dish is the perfect blend of creamy goodness and hearty ingredients like sweet potatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a big hug in a bowl! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
What makes this recipe special is not only its rich flavor but also its simplicity. You can whip it up in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup—ideal for those nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just one pot and 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tortellini! This soup is packed with flavors that appeal to all ages.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Nourishing components like sweet potatoes and spinach make this soup a healthy choice.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or swap in your favorite veggies to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll gather:
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 Toppings
- 8 oz tortellini (I used three-cheese tortellini, refrigerated – Buitoni brand)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment and make it your own with these fun variations:
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some kale, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Change up the cheese: Try different types of tortellini or add grated Parmesan on top for additional flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick it up a notch!
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. This step is essential because browning adds depth of flavor to our soup.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Once your sausage is ready, drain any excess grease. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and paprika for that aromatic touch. Next, add in your peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine—the aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Create the Base
Pour in 6 cups of water—it’s important not to use chicken stock here since our sausage provides plenty of flavor. Bring everything to a boil while mixing well so the tomato paste dissolves completely into the broth.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Cover your pot with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes until those sweet potato cubes are tender. This step allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Boil the Tortellini
Next up, add tortellini directly into the pot! Cover again and let them cook according to package instructions—usually about 10 minutes. Watching them puff up is quite satisfying!
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach until it wilts slightly—that vibrant green color adds freshness! Finally, remove from heat and pour in heavy cream for that luscious texture we crave.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give your soup a taste test for seasoning; remember that salt might not be necessary if your sausage was salty enough. Add fresh thyme on top as a beautiful garnish before ladling it into bowls.
And there you have it—your very own Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself on chilly evenings.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Making this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a breeze, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
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Choose the right sausage: Opt for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or go mild if you prefer a more subtle flavor. The sausage is the star of the show and contributes most of the soup’s taste.
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Peel and cube sweet potatoes evenly: Ensuring your sweet potato cubes are uniform in size helps them cook at the same rate, avoiding mushy or hard pieces.
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Taste as you go: Since different sausages can vary in saltiness, be sure to taste the soup before adding additional salt. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
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Don’t overcook the spinach: Adding spinach at the end and stirring just until it wilts keeps its vibrant color and nutrients intact, making your soup not only delicious but also nutritious.
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Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! If you’re meal prepping, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving this delightful soup can be as simple or as fancy as you desire. Here are some ideas to present your dish beautifully!
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a pop of color and enhances the herbal notes in the soup.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top before serving adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
- Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances flavor but also provides a nice visual contrast against the creamy backdrop.
Side Dishes
- Garlic bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup, ensuring you don’t miss a drop!
- Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the soup and adds freshness to your meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Caramelized veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor to accompany your hearty soup.
- Cheesy breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks make for a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the warm and creamy tortellini soup.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy a bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the soup completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Can I use different types of sausage in this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chicken sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option. Just ensure it’s cooked well before adding to the pot.
What can I add to my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup for extra flavor?
Consider adding more vegetables like carrots or zucchini. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile wonderfully!
How do I make this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and substitute it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup truly embodies comfort food at its finest! With its creamy texture and robust flavors, it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. I hope you enjoy making this delicious recipe as much as I do—it’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations you try; I’d love to hear from you!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm your soul with this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, a delightful one-pot dish that combines creamy goodness with wholesome ingredients. This hearty soup features tender sweet potatoes and vibrant spinach, delivering a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying bowl that appeals to all ages. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with garlic bread, this soup is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef sausage (or turkey sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, sweet potato, garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste.
- Pour in water and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in spinach until wilted and remove from heat. Add heavy cream and mix well.
- Taste for seasoning before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
