Creamy sausage tortellini soup with spinach and sweet potatoes is a cozy, hearty meal that brings together rich flavors and nourishing ingredients in one bowl. It’s packed with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, tender chunks of sweet potato, and wilted spinach, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when I want a comforting one-pot meal that’s easy and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it hits every comfort note — creamy, savory, a little sweet, and full of texture. The tortellini adds a comforting, cheesy bite, while the sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the sausage. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, and it only takes one pot to make — which means less cleanup for me. Plus, it makes great leftovers, so I get to enjoy it again the next day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- Yellow onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- Chicken broth
- Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- Fresh spinach (or baby spinach)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions
- I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I remove excess grease if needed.
- I add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- I stir in the cubed sweet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. I bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- I add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually about 4–5 minutes).
- I stir in the cream and spinach, letting the spinach wilt and the soup heat through.
- I season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little spice.
- I ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- I use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- I swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- I use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.
- I add mushrooms or carrots for even more vegetables and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The tortellini may soak up some broth, so I often add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This soup isn’t ideal for freezing because of the cream and pasta, but it’s great fresh or the next day.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, I use fresh or frozen tortellini. Frozen may need a couple of extra minutes to cook, but it works just as well.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage. I use spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for heat, but it’s easy to keep it mild by using sweet or mild sausage.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, I often make the base (sausage, veggies, broth) ahead and add the tortellini and cream right before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to peel and cube sweet potatoes?
I use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then slice the potato into rounds and cube from there. The smaller I cut them, the faster they cook.
What can I serve with this soup?
It’s a full meal on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a complete dinner.
Conclusion
Creamy sausage tortellini soup with spinach and sweet potatoes is everything I want in a comforting meal — hearty, creamy, flavorful, and made in one pot. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients and comes together fast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep. Whether I’m feeding family or just myself, this soup always brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
PrintCreamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Sweet Potatoes
Creamy sausage tortellini soup with spinach and sweet potatoes is a rich, one-pot comfort meal packed with flavor. Featuring cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and a creamy broth, this hearty soup is perfect for cold nights, easy dinners, or make-ahead lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup, Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or baby spinach)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in sweet potatoes and add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes).
- Stir in cream and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted and soup is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace sausage for a lighter version.
- Coconut milk works well as a dairy-free alternative to cream.
- Add mushrooms or carrots for more veggies and texture.
- Best served fresh or the next day (not ideal for freezing).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
