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 been a go-to comfort meal for chilly nights family and friends always ask for seconds especially when served with crusty bread
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
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This soup has brought many family moments especially when served with crusty bread on cold nights
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
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Enjoy this creamy hearty soup that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy solo meal
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Follow package instructions for cooking time to ensure it becomes tender without overcooking.
- → How can I make this dish less spicy?
Use mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to lower the heat level.
- → What can be substituted for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk are good options for a lighter, less rich broth.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead and freeze it. Omit the cream before freezing and add it fresh when reheating for best texture.
- → Can dried herbs replace fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works as a substitute; use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme to replace 4 tablespoons fresh.
- → What is the best way to serve this meal?
Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth and enhance the comforting experience.