Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and soul. This comforting bowl of goodness is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. With its rich flavors from sweet potatoes, garlic, and three-cheese tortellini, this soup stands out as a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with just one pot needed to create this deliciously creamy soup.
- Flavorful Ingredients: With the combination of sausage, sweet potatoes, and spinach, every spoonful bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone dish or served alongside a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large high-sided pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large high-sided pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing room for all the ingredients without overflow.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently, ensuring even mixing without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
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 (or use 2 small), peeled and cubed)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
For the Tortellini
- 8 oz tortellini (I used three-cheese tortellini (refrigerated) – Buitoni brand)
For Finishing Touches
- 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. Cook for several minutes over medium heat, stirring until the sausage is cooked through. Drain all grease. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and paprika.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Flavors
Add peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
Add 6 cups of water. Note: You don’t need to use chicken stock as the sausage imparts lots of flavor to the soup. Bring to boil. Mix everything well, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves.
Step 4: Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender
Once the soup is boiling, reduce to simmer (a visible boil), cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.
Step 5: Add Tortellini
Add tortellini to soup in the pot; cover with a lid and boil for 10 minutes over medium heat. Note: Use the cooking time indicated on the tortellini package as your guide.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Add spinach right at the end; stir in until it slightly wilts. Remove from heat and add cream; stir it in until combined.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Season with salt and more red pepper flakes if desired (especially if you did not use spicy sausage). Top with fresh thyme before serving.
Enjoy your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. Pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy a slice of warm crusty bread for dipping. It absorbs the creamy broth beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy delight.
With a Side Salad
- Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
How to Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Perfecting your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can enhance your cooking skills and flavor profile.
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Use high-quality sausage: The better the sausage, the more flavorful your soup will be. Choose spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
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Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half.
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Fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and herbs to maximize flavor and nutritional value.
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Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially salt, based on how salty your sausage is.
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Add more vegetables: Feel free to add chopped carrots or bell peppers for additional nutrition and flavor complexity.
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Let it sit: Allowing your soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
To complement your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider these delicious side dishes that will complete your meal.
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Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread pairs well with any soup and adds a crunchy texture.
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Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch, balancing the creamy soup.
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Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrients; they can be easily prepared alongside your soup.
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Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich soup flavors.
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Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms make an elegant side dish that complements the hearty soup well.
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Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers a flavorful variety next to your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes that affect your dish. Here are some common pitfalls when making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough Italian seasoning or paprika can lead to bland soup. Make sure to season your sausage well before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Following the cooking time on the package is crucial. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, ruining the texture of your soup.
- Ignoring sausage quality: Using low-quality sausage can result in a less flavorful soup. Choose a good-quality spicy Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Neglecting salt adjustments: If your sausage is salty, you may not need extra salt. Always taste your soup before adding more salt to balance flavors properly.
- Adding spinach too early: Adding spinach too soon can make it wilt beyond recognition. Stir it in at the end for a fresh look and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini in my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well! Just add them directly to the pot; they may need an extra minute of cooking time.
What kind of sausage should I use for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Spicy Italian sausage is a great choice as it adds flavor. However, you can use mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
How do I customize my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also switch out heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners—give it a try!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly evenings. This one-pot wonder combines the rich flavors of spicy Italian sausage with creamy tortellini and sweet potatoes, creating a comforting meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup serves six and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- red pepper flakes
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, and tomato paste.
- Add water; bring to a boil while mixing well to dissolve the tomato paste.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add tortellini; cover and cook for another 10 minutes as per package instructions.
- Stir in spinach until wilted, then add cream and mix well.
- Season to taste with salt and additional red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
