Fall soup recipes are the soul-warming heroes of chilly evenings, and this creamy sausage tortellini soup might just be your new seasonal favorite. Packed with rich flavors, hearty textures, and comforting ingredients, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings ease and satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re winding down after a brisk autumn walk or prepping a cozy dinner for family, this dish delivers. The savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, sweet potatoes, and spinach all come together in a velvety broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Simple to make, yet rich in flavor—this is true cold-weather comfort.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about recipes that balance comfort, nutrition, and convenience—and this one checks all the boxes.
- One-pot simplicity – Less mess, less stress. Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Hearty & satisfying – With sausage, tortellini, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Perfect for fall – The creamy broth, sweet potatoes, and warm spices make this ideal for cooler weather.
- Customizable – Swap spinach for kale, use any type of sausage, or make it dairy-free if needed.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy tortellini and savory flavors.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want on repeat all season long.
🧾 Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 8 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the sausage
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. - Season the base
Stir in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and coat the sausage. - Add vegetables
Add the cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the garlic soften slightly. - Make the broth
Pour in 6 cups of water (or chicken broth). Stir until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. - Cook the tortellini
Add the tortellini to the pot. Cover again and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the pasta is cooked through. - Finish with spinach and cream
Stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted. Remove the pot from heat, then gently stir in the heavy cream. - Season and serve
Taste and season with salt as needed. If using spicy sausage, you may not need much salt. Add extra red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
📋 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $15–$18 (depends on sausage and tortellini brand)
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Course: Soup, Main Course
🥄 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: Varies based on sausage and broth
- Calcium: ~100mg
- Iron: ~2mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact brands and portions used.
🧠 Tips & Variations
Tips for Best Results:
- Don’t overcook the tortellini. Add it toward the end and follow package timing for best texture.
- Add cream off heat. Stir in the heavy cream after removing from heat to prevent curdling or separation.
- Taste before salting. Sausage and broth can be salty, so always season at the end.
Make-Ahead Tip:
- Prep everything in advance but add tortellini and cream only when reheating to preserve texture and creaminess.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- For better texture, store tortellini separately.
Freezing Option:
- Freeze without cream for up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating.
- Portion into individual containers and leave headspace for expansion.
Variations to Try:
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage.
- Leafy greens: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Different pasta: Use ravioli, gnocchi, or small pasta shapes if tortellini isn’t available.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, zucchini, or white beans for extra bulk.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add sweet potato, garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Add tortellini and simmer (covered) for 8–10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Stir in spinach until just wilted. Remove from heat and add heavy cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
– Freeze before adding cream for better texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! For best results, cook everything except the tortellini and cream. Add those when reheating to preserve the texture and creaminess.
What if I don’t have tortellini?
No problem. You can use other filled pastas like ravioli or agnolotti. Gnocchi is also a great substitute for a soft, pillowy bite.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a thick plant-based alternative. The soup will still be rich and creamy.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but only before adding the cream. Freeze in portions, then reheat and stir in cream right before serving for the best texture.
What type of sausage works best?
Spicy Italian sausage gives the soup a bold, savory flavor, but you can use sweet or mild Italian sausage depending on your taste.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Omit the sausage and replace it with plant-based crumbles or white beans. Use veggie broth instead of water or chicken broth.
What to serve with it?
Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette and a slice of garlic bread, olive loaf, or warm breadsticks.
🏁 Conclusion
If you’re craving fall soup recipes that check every box—comforting, nourishing, and easy to make—this creamy sausage tortellini soup will hit the spot. It’s loaded with flavor, ready in under an hour, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether you follow the original or customize it with your favorite greens or pasta, this soup will become a go-to favorite all season long.