Creamy Tortellini Soup
There’s something so heartwarming about a steaming bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup on a cool evening. Inspired by my family’s love for Italian flavors and the cozy soups we’d make together in Florida’s rare chilly nights, this recipe brings comfort and richness to your table in under 40 minutes.
With tender three-cheese tortellini, smoky sausage, and velvety broth, it’s everything you crave in a fall dinner recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot meal delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Servings: | 6 |
| Course: | Soup |
| Cuisine: | American, Italian, Mediterranean |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Calories: | 430 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and comforting: The combination of creamy broth, hearty sausage, and tender tortellini feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect fall soup recipe: Loaded with cozy flavors like sweet potato, garlic, and thyme.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, especially with that creamy, cheesy pasta twist.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The recipe features sweet potatoes, spinach, garlic, and three-cheese tortellini all smothered in a creamy delicious broth. This one-pot meal takes only 40 minutes to make and requires minimal cleanup as only one pan is used! Perfect dinner for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 12 oz sausage such as spicy Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika regular or smoked
- 1 sweet potato large (or use 2 small) peeled, cubed
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz tortellini three-cheese (refrigerated) – Buitoni brand
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage.
2. Cook for several minutes over medium heat, stirring until the sausage is cooked through. Drain all grease. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and paprika.
3. Add peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste.
4. Add 6 cups of water. Note: You don’t need to use chicken stock as the sausage imparts lots of flavor to the soup.
5. Bring to boil. Mix everything well, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves.
6. Once the soup is boiling, reduce to simmer (a visible boil), cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.
7. Add tortellini to soup in the pot, cover with a lid and boil for 10 minutes over medium heat. Note: Use the cooking time indicated on the tortellini package as your guide.
8. Add spinach right in the end, stir in until it slightly wilts.
9. Remove the soup from heat. Add the cream and stir it in.
10. Season with salt and more red pepper flakes (add spice especially if you did not use spicy sausage). Top with fresh thyme.
Notes
If the cream separates as the soup cools, don’t worry — it will return to a creamy texture when reheated and stirred.
For extra flavor, garnish with Parmesan or fresh thyme.
Taste before salting, as some sausages are already quite salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (450g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 603mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
Ingredients
- 12 oz sausage such as spicy Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 sweet potato large (or 2 small), peeled and cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz tortellini (three-cheese, refrigerated; Buitoni brand)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
|---|---|
| Sausage | Spicy Italian sausage adds depth, but mild sausage works if you prefer less heat. |
| Sweet potato | Use firm, bright orange ones for sweetness and color contrast. |
| Tortellini | Choose fresh, refrigerated tortellini for best texture and flavor. |
| Spinach | Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds nutrients without bitterness. |
| Heavy cream | Stir it in off the heat to keep the broth silky and smooth. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned, stirring frequently. Drain excess grease. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Add vegetables: Stir in cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in 6 cups of water and stir until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Cook the tortellini: Add tortellini to the simmering soup, cover again, and cook for 10 minutes or according to package directions.
- Add greens and cream: Stir in spinach until slightly wilted. Remove from heat and gently mix in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt or extra red pepper flakes to taste.
- Finish and serve: Top each bowl with fresh thyme before serving for an aromatic finish.
Helpful Tips
- You don’t need chicken broth—sausage gives enough flavor to the base.
- Taste before salting; some sausages are already quite salty.
- For a thicker texture, reduce simmering time slightly before adding cream.
- Reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Sauté thoroughly: Browning the sausage builds depth and flavor.
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly: This ensures consistent cooking and prevents mushy pieces.
- Add cream last: Adding cream while the soup is boiling can cause separation.
- Use fresh herbs: Thyme or basil adds freshness and balances the richness.
Recipe Variations
- Sausage Tortellini Soup: Skip the sweet potatoes and add chopped tomatoes for a classic Italian version.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and use veggie tortellini with vegetable broth.
- Fall Soup Twist: Add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree for extra sweetness.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a bold Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can make the base (without tortellini or cream) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add tortellini and cream just before serving for best texture. For freezing, skip the cream until reheating to avoid separation.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still comforting, try my Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup. It’s a creamy, plant-based soup packed with protein and Mediterranean flavor, perfect for cozy nights or healthy meal prep days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crusty garlic bread or a side of Caesar salad. Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper on top for added flavor.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this soup with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling lemon water or iced tea with herbs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cream may separate slightly when cold, but will smooth out once heated and stirred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes, you can, but it’s not necessary since the sausage adds enough flavor.
2. What kind of sausage is best?
Spicy Italian sausage gives a rich flavor, but mild or turkey sausage works well too.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or oat-based cream.
4. What if my cream separates?
Don’t worry, this is normal. Reheat the soup gently and stir to restore creaminess.
5. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by a few minutes according to package instructions.
6. How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding cream.
7. Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead, store it in individual containers, and reheat for cozy weekday lunches.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 bowl (approx. 450g) |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 430 kcal |
| Protein: | 16g |
| Carbohydrates: | 28g |
| Fat: | 28g |
| Saturated Fat: | 11g |
| Cholesterol: | 82mg |
| Sodium: | 603mg |
| Fiber: | 4g |
| Sugar: | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Author’s Note
Hola! From my Orlando kitchen to yours, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is one of my go-to comfort meals when I need something quick, cozy, and soul-warming. The way the tortellini melts into the creamy broth reminds me that food is love made visible, especially on busy nights when you still want that homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a one-pot masterpiece, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
