Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup perfectly combines flavors and textures to create a delightful meal. With spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy tortellini, this soup is a warm, hearty dish that comforts the soul and pleases the palate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The spice from the Italian sausage complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the creamy broth ensures each spoonful is rich and satisfying.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika regular or smoked
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more to taste
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed about 12 ounces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 ounces fresh spinach
- 6 cups water
- 8 ounces refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir well to evenly coat.
Combining Ingredients
- Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in the water. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to dissolve the tomato paste.
Cooking the Soup
- Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Add the tortellini to the pot. Cover and continue cooking at a gentle boil for 10 minutes or according to package instructions until pasta is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, approximately 1 minute.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat. Gently stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. The delightful combination of flavors means there’s something for everyone to love.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 1 large sweet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 ounces fresh spinach
- 6 cups water
- 8 ounces refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir well to evenly coat.
- Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in the water. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to dissolve the tomato paste.
- Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Add the tortellini to the pot. Cover and continue cooking at a gentle boil for 10 minutes or according to package instructions until pasta is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, approximately 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Gently stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serve this delicious soup hot in bowls, and garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This soup also makes a delightful addition to any family gathering or informal dinner party.
How to Store Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
To store leftovers of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen. Use it within three months for the best flavor.
Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Perfect
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or use a sweet Italian sausage instead.
- Add Magic with More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, consider blending part of the soup before adding the tortellini.
Flavor Variations
- Different Meats: Substitute the spicy sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese-filled tortellini for unique flavors, such as spinach or ricotta.
- Herb Infusion: Try different herbs like basil or oregano in place of thyme to change up the taste.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always sauté the sausage until it’s browned; this adds depth to the flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Stir in the heavy cream off the heat to prevent curdling.
FAQs About Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini instead of fresh. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, ensuring that they are heated through and tender before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, opt for half-and-half or use evaporated milk. However, keep in mind that the soup’s creaminess will be slightly reduced.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian variation, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a fantastic dish, perfect for any occasion. Its blend of flavors and comforting textures makes it a family favorite. Easy to prepare and delightful to savor, this soup shouldn’t just be a recipe; it should become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings with each bowl!
