Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz spicy Italian sausage; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 6 cups water; 8 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; 4 oz fresh spinach; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish); Salt, to taste

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A hearty, wonderfully creamy soup that combines savory sausage, tender sweet potatoes, cheesy tortellini, and a splash of cream for ultimate comfort. Ready in under an hour, it’s cozy, flavorful, and sure to become a go-to family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and satisfying – Spicy Italian sausage and tomato paste build a deeply savory base that’s both rich and comforting.
Perfect fall twist – Sweet potato adds warmth, color, and gentle sweetness that elevates the classic tortellini soup.
Quick one-pot meal – Everything cooks in a single pot, making prep easy and cleanup minimal.
Versatile – You can use your favorite sausage or pasta variations, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz spicy Italian sausage (adjust type based on spice preference)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
1 large sweet potato (or 2 small), peeled and cubed
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups water (no broth needed—the sausage adds plenty of flavor)
8 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (such as three‑cheese Buitoni)
4 oz fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons fresh thyme, plus a bit for garnish
Salt, to taste (start with up to ¼ teaspoon if needed)

Directions

Brown the sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large, tall pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and paprika to coat the sausage.
Build the flavor base
- Add cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
Simmer
- Pour in 6 cups of water and stir well, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cook the tortellini
- Add tortellini directly to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until pasta is tender.
Final touches
- Stir in fresh spinach until it just wilts.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme.
- Taste and season with salt if needed, keeping in mind the sausage’s saltiness.
Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra thyme or red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes

Tips & Variations

Adjusting creaminess: If the soup cools and the cream appears separated, simply reheat and stir—it will return to a smooth, creamy texture.
Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken sausage work well for lighter versions.
Veggie additions: Add diced carrots, celery, or kale for added texture and nutrition.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute for a lactose-free version.

FAQs

1. Will the cream stay smooth after refrigerating?

Yes—any graininess is temporary. Rewarm and stir well, and the texture will restore.

2. Is water sufficient instead of broth?

Absolutely. Sausage and tomato paste create a flavorful base that stands up well without broth.

3. Should I adjust salt based on sausage?

Yes. Taste first and season carefully—some sausages can be quite salty, in which case, you may need little or no extra salt.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes—this soup freezes well. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring to restore creamy texture.

5. Can I substitute other fillings for tortellini?

Sure—small pasta shapes, gnocchi, or even cooked rice would work deliciously.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect blend of comforting flavors: sweet potatoes, savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini come together in a single, easy-to-make pot. Whether for busy nights or relaxed gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that warms both body and spirit. Let me know if you’d like a lighter version, vegetarian swap, or side pairing suggestions!