Save to Pinterest 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 quickly became a family favorite during chilly evenings, warming everyone up with its rich flavors.
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 to Pinterest This recipe has created many cozy nights where the entire family gathers to enjoy a warm bowl together.
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 (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This soup is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and hearty. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
Common Questions
- → Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used; just follow the package cooking instructions and add accordingly to the broth.
- → How can I reduce the spiciness?
Substitute sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit red pepper flakes to mellow the heat.
- → Is fresh thyme necessary?
Dried thyme can replace fresh at a ratio of 1 teaspoon dried to 4 tablespoons fresh, maintaining flavor balance.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half offers a lighter alternative while still providing creaminess to the broth.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead?
Yes, the soup can be refrigerated or frozen; avoid adding cream before freezing and introduce it when reheating.