Pin It 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 favorite in my home for chilly evenings when we want something satisfying and full of flavor.
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
Pin It This soup brings my family together on cold nights we cherish and look forward to every winter.
Notes
Soup can be prepared ahead and frozen omit cream if freezing and add it when reheating Dried thyme may be used if fresh is unavailable (1 teaspoon dried = 4 tablespoons fresh) Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
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
Pin It This soup is perfect for cozy nights and easy to customize to your heat preference for every family member.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, mild Italian sausage works well if you prefer less heat, or you can select spicy sausage for more kick. Adjust red pepper flakes accordingly.
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are cooked?
They should be fork-tender after simmering about 15 minutes, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- → Can frozen tortellini be used instead of fresh?
Absolutely, frozen tortellini can be added directly. Just follow package cooking times for best results.
- → What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
You can use baby kale or Swiss chard as alternatives, adding them towards the end of cooking just to wilt.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead and freeze?
Yes, make the base (without cream) and freeze. Add cream when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
- → How should the seasoning be adjusted for milder flavor?
Use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit red pepper flakes to soften the spiciness.