Save A hearty, comforting soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, and cheese tortellini, all simmered in an herby, creamy broth and finished with fresh spinach for a satisfying meal on chilly evenings.
This soup has become a family favorite on cold nights, perfect for sharing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Sausage and Seasoning: 12 oz (340 g) 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)
- Vegetables and Flavorings: 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz / 340 g) peeled and cubed (or 2 small sweet potatoes), 5 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), 4 oz (115 g) fresh spinach
- Liquids and Pasta: 6 cups water, 8 oz (225 g) refrigerated three-cheese tortellini, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through about 5>7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Step 2:
- Sprinkle cooked sausage with Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir well to coat.
- Step 3:
- Add cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the water. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste.
- Step 5:
- Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 6:
- Add the tortellini to the soup. Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until pasta is just tender.
- Step 7:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 8:
- Remove the pot from heat. Gently stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Step 9:
- Season to taste with salt (if needed) and additional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Top with fresh thyme before serving.
Save This soup quickly became a tradition for cozy family dinners during the fall and winter months.
Required Tools
Large high-sided pot with lid Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula Ladle Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortellini), Milk (tortellini, heavy cream), Egg (tortellini, possibly sausage) May contain Soy (check sausage and tortellini labels), Sulfites (in sausage) If in doubt double-check all ingredient packaging for allergen information
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~410 Total Fat: 25 g Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 16 g
Save This soup is perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use a milder sausage in this dish?
Yes, substituting sweet Italian sausage softens the spice without losing savory depth, adjusting red pepper flakes to taste helps maintain balance.
- → How do I prevent tortellini from overcooking?
Add tortellini towards the end of cooking and simmer gently until tender, following package instructions for time guidance ensures perfect texture.
- → What can I substitute for fresh thyme if unavailable?
Dried thyme works well as a replacement; use about one teaspoon dried to match fresh herb intensity.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can freeze the dish before adding cream. Add cream when reheating to keep the broth creamy and fresh.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replacing heavy cream with a plant-based alternative may alter the final texture and flavor, so choose creamy substitutes cautiously.
- → What sides pair well with this hearty dish?
Crusty bread or a fresh green salad complement the rich broth and add texture contrast for a fulfilling meal.