I don’t know about you, but when the weather turns chilly, all I want is a cozy bowl of soup that wraps me in warmth—kind of like a big, delicious hug! And let me tell you, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is my absolute go-to recipe for those crisp fall evenings. It’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
I can still remember the first time I whipped up this recipe. I had a group of friends over for a little dinner party, and it was a rainy day—perfect soup weather! As I stirred the pot, the aroma wafted through the house and drew everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame. The laughter, the stories, and, of course, the deliciousness that followed made it a night to remember. So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your home too!
What’s in Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this soup so special:
Italian Sausage: The star of the show! You can choose between mild or spicy based on your heat preference. I love using a good-quality brand like Johnsonville for that authentic Italian flavor.
Olive Oil: A must for sautéing those aromatics! It brings a lovely richness to the soup.
Onion: Diced finely, it forms the flavorful base. I always use yellow onions, but feel free to swap in white or even shallots!
Garlic: Because let’s face it, garlic makes everything better. I chop up three cloves for a nice, garlicky kick—feel free to add more if you’re as garlic-obsessed as I am!
Dried Thyme: This herb adds a lovely earthy taste that complements the sausage perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh thyme is also a delightful substitute!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Either one works well to deepen the flavor. I usually go for low-sodium versions, so I can control the salt levels while cooking.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and nutritious, they add a delightful creaminess once cooked. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins!
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: This is the fun part! Cheese-filled tortellini adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup oh-so-satisfying.
Fresh Spinach: A handful of spinach adds a pop of color and loads of nutrients! You can also use kale if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes from! It adds that rich, velvety texture that makes every spoonful irresistible. If you want a lighter version, feel free to swap this for half-and-half.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together! Always season to taste—it’s a game changer.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley: Optional, but they make for the perfect garnish, adding a touch of freshness and visual appeal!
Is Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Good for You?
This soup is delicious, but is it healthy? Let’s break it down!
Italian Sausage: Packed with protein, but it can also be high in fat and sodium. Opting for leaner sausage options can help balance this out.
Sweet Potatoes: These are nutritional powerhouses! Rich in fiber and antioxidants, they’re fantastic for gut health and maintaining energy levels.
Spinach: Loaded with vitamins A and K, spinach brings a wealth of nutrients to the table. Plus, it’s low-calorie!
Heavy Cream: While delicious, it’s also high in calories and fats, so using it in moderation or switching to half-and-half can help keep things lighter.
The good news is, this soup is so comforting and delicious that I’ve never heard anyone complain about a few indulgent calories—after all, we have to treat ourselves sometimes, right?
Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bag (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
*Serves about 4-6 people.*
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup?
Alright, here’s how you can create this warm hug in a bowl:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it’s nice and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sausage to the pot. Go ahead and break the sausage into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to make those flavors sing!
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the diced sweet potatoes. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, stirring until everything is well-combined and heated through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
8. Serve hot, topped with fresh thyme or parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Delicious Extras
Here’s the deal—this soup is incredibly versatile! If you want to mix things up, consider adding other veggies like carrots or bell peppers. They can add even more color and nutrients to our delicious bowl of comfort.
If you’re storing leftovers, just a heads up: the tortellini might get softer as it sits in the fridge. But don’t worry; the flavors will keep getting better!
Lastly, for those days when you crave something lighter, substituting half-and-half for heavy cream works wonders—just as creamy and oh-so-yummy!
I can’t wait for you to try this comforting Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s the perfect remedy for any gloomy day or just whenever you’re in the mood for a little love in a bowl. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own touch to the recipe! Happy cooking!
