Cozy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Warm up with hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach, blending savory flavors and fresh, nutritious ingredients into one irresistible bowl. This comforting soup brings together tender tortellini, perfectly seasoned sausage, sweet chunks of sweet potato, and vibrant spinach to create a satisfying meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or need a reliable dinner that pleases the whole family, this recipe delivers bright flavors with wholesome goodness every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of sausage and cheese-filled tortellini delivers a hearty and filling meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Nutrition Boost: Sweet potatoes and spinach add a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup as healthy as it is tasty.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or first-time soup makers.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust spices to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- One-Pot Wonder: Clean up is a breeze since this entire meal cooks in just one pot without losing any flavor depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color.
- Italian sausage: Adds savory, spiced meatiness that forms the soup’s flavorful foundation.
- Cheese tortellini: Soft and cheesy bites that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and a tender, buttery texture once cooked.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy note that brightens the soup.
- Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics enhancing the soup’s savory depth.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and boosting richness.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs): Perfectly balance and elevate every layer of flavor.
Variations for Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
This recipe invites your creativity! It adapts easily to different tastes and dietary preferences, so feel free to swap, add, or omit ingredients to make it suit your style.
- Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms to keep flavors savory without meat.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Different greens: Swap spinach for kale, swiss chard, or mustard greens based on what you have on hand.
- Alternative pasta: Use ravioli, gnocchi, or even small shells if tortellini isn’t available.
- Dairy-free option: Opt for dairy-free tortellini and skip cheese toppings for a light, allergy-friendly meal.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sweet Potato
In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in cubed sweet potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Stir in Tortellini and Spinach
Add the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach leaves to the simmering soup, stirring gently. Cook for 5 more minutes until tortellini are tender and spinach has wilted.
Step 5: Return Sausage and Season
Return the browned sausage to the pot, stir well, and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred Italian herbs. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
- Use quality sausage: The sausage really drives this recipe’s flavor, so pick a high-quality brand or fresh sausage for best results.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: Add tortellini near the end to avoid mushy pasta.
- Sweet potato size matters: Cut into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Add greens last: Spinach wilts quickly and should be stirred in just before serving for color and freshness.
- Customize your broth: Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control salt levels better.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few torn fresh basil leaves to add a burst of extra flavor and an enticing aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious broth, or pair it with a crisp side salad for more greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve individual portions in bread bowls or rustic mugs. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of pesto on top to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you omit the tortellini before freezing—add it fresh during reheating for best texture. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.
Reheating
Reheat slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add fresh tortellini if not included before freezing and cook until tender. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent tough sausage or mushy pasta.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative and will still add plenty of flavor to your Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth and sausage are gluten-free as well. Many brands now offer gluten-free pasta options that work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except spinach and tortellini into the slow cooker. Add these last 30 minutes before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based sausage, vegan tortellini, and vegetable broth, you can create a vegan version while still enjoying plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce if you love extra heat and bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines comfort, nutrition, and flavor effortlessly. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again, especially when the weather calls for something cozy and satisfying. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the wholesome magic of this delicious soup!
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Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach combines savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach in a flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, this colorful soup balances indulgent taste with wholesome ingredients to deliver comfort and satisfying warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if using gluten-free tortellini
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Italian sausage
Pasta
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sweet Potato: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir in Tortellini and Spinach: Add cheese tortellini and fresh spinach leaves to the simmering soup, stirring gently. Cook for 5 more minutes until tortellini are tender and spinach has wilted.
- Return Sausage and Season: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir well and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use quality sausage for best flavor results.
- Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy texture.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Add spinach last to keep its vibrant color and freshness.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage tortellini soup, sweet potato soup, spinach soup, one pot meal, Italian soup, hearty soup, comfort food