1. Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided pot over medium heat.
Add the crumbled sausage and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Drain any excess grease from the pot. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and paprika for added flavor.
2. Add Sweet Potato and Aromatics
Add the peeled and cubed sweet potato, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot.
Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes and ensure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
3. Build the Soup Base
Pour in 6 cups of water. (Note: Chicken stock isn’t needed, as the sausage adds plenty of flavor.)
Bring the soup to a boil while stirring to dissolve the tomato paste completely.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the pot and cover with a lid.
Boil for 10 minutes over medium heat or as indicated on the tortellini package instructions.
5. Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the fresh spinach right before finishing the soup, allowing it to wilt slightly.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If your sausage is salty, additional salt may not be necessary. If not, season to taste with about ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme for garnish. Add extra red pepper flakes if you want to increase the spice level.
Tips for Success
Sweet Potato Substitute: For a different flavor, you can substitute sweet potatoes with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes.
Tortellini Options: Cheese tortellini works best, but you can experiment with spinach or meat-filled tortellini for variety.
Spice Level: Use spicy sausage for more heat, or keep it mild and adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes.
Make It Creamier: For an ultra-creamy soup, add 1 cup of heavy cream instead of ½ cup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder: Easy to make and minimal cleanup required.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of sausage, sweet potatoes, and creamy broth is irresistible.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add more veggies, or use a different pasta to make it your own.
Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.