Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With its rich flavors from sweet potatoes, spinach, garlic, and three-cheese tortellini, this dish is a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it requires just one pot and only 40 minutes to prepare. This creamy soup is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sausage and sweet potatoes creates a hearty broth you’ll crave.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or types of sausage.
- Comforting Meal: It’s the ideal dish to enjoy on chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes a world of difference when preparing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large high-sided pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large high-sided pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together without spilling.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through sausage and sweet potatoes quick and easy.
- Measuring spoons: Precise measurements ensure balanced flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 12 oz sausage (such as spicy Italian sausage)
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 sweet potato (large or 2 small, peeled, cubed)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Broth and Add-Ins
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz tortellini (I used three-cheese tortellini – Buitoni brand)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided pot over medium heat. Once hot, add crumbled sausage.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Cook for several minutes over medium heat, stirring until the sausage is cooked through. Drain all grease. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and paprika.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Add peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot.
Step 4: Pour in Water
Add 6 cups of water. Note: You don’t need chicken stock as the sausage adds plenty of flavor to the soup.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil. Mix everything well until the tomato paste dissolves completely.
Step 6: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender
Once boiling, reduce to a simmer (a visible boil), cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Cook the Tortellini
Add tortellini to the pot; cover with a lid and boil for about 10 minutes over medium heat. Follow the cooking time indicated on your tortellini package as your guide.
Step 8: Add Spinach
In the last minute of cooking, add spinach right into the pot and stir until it slightly wilts.
Step 9: Stir in Cream
Remove the soup from heat. Add heavy cream into the mix and stir it in thoroughly.
Step 10: Seasoning Adjustments
Season with salt if needed; add more red pepper flakes based on your spice preference, especially if you did not use spicy sausage. Top with fresh thyme before serving.
Important Note:
If your sausage is very salty, you may not need to add any extra salt at all. Use your judgment based on how salty it tastes before seasoning further. If it’s mild, season with salt to taste—about ¼ teaspoon or less should suffice.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Serving Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Choose a fresh baguette or sourdough for added flavor.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup. It adds a delightful nuttiness and enhances the overall richness.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only looks beautiful but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
Served with a Side Salad
- A light side salad complements the soup well. Consider mixing greens with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Accompanied by Garlic Breadsticks
- Garlic breadsticks are an excellent option for those who love a bit of crunch. They pair nicely with the creamy texture of the soup.
With a Dollop of Sour Cream
- For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top before serving. It provides a tangy contrast to the soup’s flavors.
How to Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
To make your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for an outstanding dish.
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Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. They enhance flavor and provide better nutrition.
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Adjust spice levels: Taste the soup as you cook and adjust spices according to your preference. You can add more red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
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Choose quality sausage: The sausage is the star ingredient; select high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor.
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Don’t skip the heavy cream: Adding heavy cream at the end gives that signature creaminess to the soup, making it rich and satisfying.
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Let it sit before serving: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking improves flavor melding. This makes every spoonful taste incredible.
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Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop overnight!
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of soup.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and zest, thanks to romaine lettuce and tangy dressing.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide color and nutrients, making them an excellent complement.
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Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction brighten up your meal beautifully.
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Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with the soup’s creaminess.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese or breadcrumbs make for an elegant side that feels indulgent yet light.
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Antipasto Platter: An assorted platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artichokes provides variety and caters to different tastes.
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic offer comfort and warmth alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a sausage that lacks flavor can lead to a bland soup. Opt for a spicy Italian sausage for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup adequately can diminish its taste. Make sure to add Italian seasoning and adjust salt as needed.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini longer than recommended makes it mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
- Not using enough garlic: Garlic adds depth and richness to the soup. Use the full amount suggested in the recipe for maximum flavor.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and herbs elevate your soup’s flavor. Always opt for fresh over dried when possible.
- Forgetting to taste before serving: Failing to check the seasoning before serving can result in an unbalanced dish. Taste and adjust before you dish it out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Freeze portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Reheating Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:
What is Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich and flavorful dish made with sausage, three-cheese tortellini, sweet potatoes, spinach, and a creamy broth.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used instead of refrigerated ones! Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How do I customize my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or zucchini or swap out the spinach for kale based on your preference!
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting spice levels. This comforting meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights. Try making it tonight!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort that combines rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike. With sweet potatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and cheesy tortellini simmered in a creamy broth, this one-pot dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare in just 40 minutes. The combination of spicy Italian sausage and hearty vegetables creates a deliciously robust flavor profile that will warm your soul. Ideal for any occasion, this soup invites customization with your favorite veggies or spices, ensuring every bowl is as unique as you are.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spicy Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz three-cheese tortellini
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove from heat and mix in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
