Hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Looking for a comforting and flavorful meal? Cozy up with this savory Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach, a perfect blend of hearty ingredients and rich textures that will warm you from the inside out. Packed with tender tortellini, nourishing greens, and subtly sweet chunks of sweet potato, this soup is an inviting way to enjoy a delicious bowl any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup combines rich sausage, tender tortellini, and hearty vegetables for the ultimate cozy meal.
- Balanced Nutrition: Sweet potato adds natural sweetness and fiber, while spinach brings a burst of vitamins and freshness.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
- Flexible to Your Taste: Easily adaptable for different protein choices or spice levels without losing its signature warmth.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything simmers together, making it an effortless cooking experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach thrives on simple yet impactful ingredients. Each item has its role—from the savory depth added by Italian sausage to the vibrant color and nutrition packed into fresh spinach.
- Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference, providing a rich, savory base.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or store-bought, these pasta pillows offer delightful texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Sweet Potato: Chopped into small cubes, it softens to a gentle sweetness balancing the savory flavors.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds color, texture, and a healthy boost of iron and vitamins to brighten the soup.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a flavor foundation you’ll love.
- Chicken Broth: The warm, flavorful liquid that brings all ingredients together in harmony.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing, contributing subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for those who want a little kick without taking away the warmth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Staples for bringing out the full flavors of each ingredient.
Variations for Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Feel free to make this soup your own! It’s a flexible recipe that you can adapt based on ingredients on hand, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
- Different Greens: Kale or Swiss chard work beautifully if spinach isn’t available or preferred.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with spinach or mushroom tortellini for added flavors and texture changes.
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. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potato and Broth
Pour in the chopped sweet potato, then add chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they float and are tender.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach
Fold fresh spinach into the pot during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt perfectly into the soup’s warmth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
- Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh pasta cooks faster and has a creamier texture compared to dried.
- Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add spinach at the very end to keep its vibrant color and avoid sogginess.
- Balance Sweetness and Savory: Taste and adjust seasoning, especially salt, to highlight the sweet potato’s natural flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Soup flavors deepen when rested overnight, so consider making it a day early.
- Keep Tortellini Separate for Leftovers: To prevent pasta from soaking up too much broth, store tortellini separately if planning on reheating.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a gourmet touch that elevates the rustic soup.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the warmth and heartiness of the soup while adding balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
In a cozy bread bowl for a rustic presentation or layered with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add vibrant pops of color and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the tortellini separate to maintain its texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but avoid freezing tortellini inside the soup to prevent mushiness. Freeze the broth and veggies in portions and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally to reheat evenly without overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works fine; just thaw and drain excess water before adding it near the end of cooking.
What type of sausage is best for this soup?
Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is ideal due to its herbs and seasoning, but feel free to substitute with other ground sausages you prefer.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for multiple days and can be portioned out for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out regular tortellini for gluten-free pasta or gluten-free tortellini options available in stores.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
Simmer it uncovered to reduce excess liquid, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry stirred in gradually until desired thickness is reached.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a truly satisfying dish that brings together warmth, flavor, and nutrition in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a hug in a bowl, it’s an easy recipe to make ahead, customize, and share. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort food.
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Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free tortellini)
Description
Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, sweet chunks of sweet potato, and fresh spinach. This quick and easy soup is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced blend of nutrition, warmth, and rich textures that satisfy any craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.
- Add Sweet Potato and Broth: Pour in the chopped sweet potato, then add chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they float and are tender.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Fold fresh spinach into the pot during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt perfectly into the soup’s warmth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for a creamier texture and quicker cooking time.
- Add spinach at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and avoid sogginess.
- Adjust seasoning to balance the sweetness of the sweet potato with savory flavors.
- Soup flavors deepen when made ahead and allowed to rest overnight.
- Store tortellini separately from the soup for leftovers to prevent mushiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: sausage soup, tortellini soup, sweet potato soup, spinach soup, one-pot meal, comforting soup, quick dinner, Italian sausage, gluten-free option
