Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spicy Italian sausage; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt, about ¼ teaspoon or to taste; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 4 oz fresh spinach; 4 tablespoons fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 6 cups water; 8 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini (e.g., Buitoni brand); ½ cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm kitchen hug, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. I’ve made it countless times, especially on chilly evenings when nothing else will do. This soup hits every note: rich, cheesy tortellini, hearty sausage, sweet potatoes that add a subtle earthiness, and a luscious creamy broth that just pulls everything together. Trust me, it’s easy, quick, and totally satisfying — plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time I bring it to family dinners.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balance of Flavors: Spicy sausage and sweet potatoes create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting.
Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples and fresh ingredients for fuss-free cooking.
One-Pot Convenience: This creamy sausage tortellini soup cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Creaminess Without Heavy Cream Overload: A little cream goes a long way, giving richness without making it overly heavy.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, hearty sausage tortellini soup, easy sausage soup with tortellini, comforting sausage and tortellini soup, quick sausage tortellini dinner - A black pan filled with a creamy soup that has three main layers: chunks of orange squash, yellow tortellini pasta, and small pieces of cooked ground meat spread evenly throughout. The soup base is light-colored cream with orange oil spots floating on top. Dark green spinach leaves and sprigs of fresh herbs are scattered on the surface. The pan is placed on a textured white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is as much in the ingredients as in how they come together. When picking your sausage, lean towards spicy Italian for that kick, but mild works if you prefer. Sweet potatoes add a lovely subtle sweetness and creamy texture after cooking, complementing the cheesy tortellini beautifully.

Sausage: I recommend spicy Italian for a little heat; makes the broth flavorful without adding stock.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and marries the flavors.
Italian Seasoning: Brings in classic herb notes that elevate the soup effortlessly.
Paprika: Adds smokiness and depth; smoked paprika works wonders here.
Sweet Potato: Provides natural sweetness and body; cubed small for quick cooking.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your heat preference; I love a little extra kick.
Tomato Paste: Adds umami and a subtle tang, balancing the creaminess.
Water: No need for broth—the sausage does the heavy lifting here.
Tortellini: I use three-cheese refrigerated tortellini; tastes fresh and melts in your mouth.
Spinach: Tossed in at the end for fresh color and nutrition.
Heavy Cream: Just enough to lend richness and silky texture without being overpowering.
Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle on top for a lovely herbal finish and aroma.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this creamy sausage tortellini soup recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to dial up the spice or sneak in some extra veggies, there’s lots of room to make it your own without losing the heartiness and charm of the original.

Variation: Sometimes I swap sweet potato for butternut squash in the fall — it adds a wonderful sweetness and pairs beautifully with the sausage.
Spice Level: Prefer mild? Use sweet Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes; for extra heat, add a pinch more or choose spicy sausage.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream — it changes the flavor but still keeps it creamy.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped kale or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage and cook until nicely browned and cooked through. This step is crucial — the browning adds a caramelized flavor that sets the tone for the entire soup. Once the sausage is cooked, drain excess grease (no one wants a greasy soup!) and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and paprika. Give it a good stir so the spices coat the sausage well and release their aromas.

Step 2: Add Veggies, Tomato Paste, and Water

Next, toss in the cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir these together to let the tomato paste fully dissolve and coat the mixture — that deep umami flavor is a game-changer! Pour in 6 cups of water; I like to skip broth here because the sausage is already packed with flavor, keeping things simple yet rich. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until your sweet potatoes are tender — you’ll want to test them with a fork to be sure.

Step 3: Cook Tortellini and Wilt the Spinach

Once your potatoes are perfectly soft, stir in the tortellini. Make sure to cover the pot again and let it cook at a boil for around 10 minutes — or follow the instructions on your tortellini package since cooking times vary. Near the very end, stir in the fresh spinach just until it wilts; this adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the soup beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Fresh Herbs

Take the soup off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. It blends into the hot soup, creating that luscious, creamy texture without making it feel heavy. Taste the soup, and then season carefully with salt and extra red pepper flakes if you want more spice. Depending on your sausage, you might not need any salt at all. Finally, sprinkle fresh thyme on top for an aromatic touch that pulls everything together.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Drain the Sausage Grease: Always drain the sausage fat for a cleaner, less greasy soup but keep a bit for flavor if you prefer guilt-free richness.
Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks evenly and holds its texture better than frozen in soup.
Add Cream Off Heat: Adding the cream after you remove the pot from heat prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky.
Watch the Salt: Taste before salting — sausage can be salty enough, and you want to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish off servings with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and an additional few sprigs of fresh thyme. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a swirl of chili oil for extra warmth. A crusty slice of garlic bread or a simple green salad nearby rounds out the meal nicely in my book.

Side Dishes

For side dishes, I often keep it simple: a crisp Caesar salad or a small plate of roasted veggies. A crusty baguette or some cheesy breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth without overpowering the soup’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this creamy sausage tortellini soup recipe for a special occasion, I like to ladle it into large, rustic bowls, place a sprig of thyme right on top, and add a bright pop of color with a few cherry tomato halves or a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. Setting the table with warm candlelight and colorful napkins turns an everyday soup into something a bit more celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftover soup to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. Just a heads-up: the cream will separate a bit when chilled, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing creamy sausage tortellini soup is doable but with some caveats. The cream and tortellini textures can change, becoming grainy or mushy after thawing. I usually freeze it without the cream or tortellini and add those fresh when reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I bring the soup slowly back to a simmer on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the cream appears separated or grainy after refrigeration, a good stir and a gentle reheat will bring it back to silky perfection. Avoid boiling it aggressively to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?

Yes, you can! Just be mindful that frozen tortellini might cook faster or get mushy, so adjust the cooking time accordingly and add them closer to the end of the soup’s cooking process.
What if I don’t eat pork sausage?

No worries! You can substitute with turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing much flavor.
How do I prevent the cream from separating?

To avoid separation, always stir the cream in off the heat and reheat the soup gently later. High heat or boiling can cause curdling.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You absolutely can! Cook the sausage and veggies first, then transfer to the slow cooker with water and seasoning, cooking on low 4-6 hours. Add tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes, then stir in cream just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it hits that sweet spot between cozy and easy. It feels like a little kitchen celebration with every scoop — creamy, spicy, and comforting all at once. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings warm, delicious moments to your table on those nights when you want something truly satisfying without the fuss.