Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: 6 Delicious Autumn Wins

Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz spicy Italian sausage (or mild if preferred); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); 1 large sweet potato (or 2 small), peeled and cubed; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 6 cups water; 8 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini (such as Buitoni); 4 oz fresh spinach; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons fresh thyme; Salt and extra red pepper flakes, to taste

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s hearty, creamy, and feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket after a long day. If you’ve been searching for the perfect autumn soup that checks all the boxes—flavorful, comforting, and easy—this is the recipe that’ll win your weeknight dinner game.

I first made this on a chilly evening when the leaves had just started to crunch underfoot, and let me tell you—it was love at first spoonful. My family’s only complaint? That the pot wasn’t bottomless!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Set-and-forget flavor: Once the pot is simmering, the sausage and seasonings do the heavy lifting.
Comfort in a bowl: Sweet potatoes, cheese-filled tortellini, and creamy broth make this the ultimate autumn soup.
Quick but cozy: Dinner on the table in under an hour without sacrificing that slow-cooked taste.
Greens included: Thanks to the fresh spinach, it balances indulgence with a touch of healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz spicy Italian sausage (or mild if you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
1 large sweet potato (or 2 small), peeled and cubed
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups water
8 oz refrigerated tortellini (I used three-cheese Buitoni)
4 oz fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons fresh thyme

Optional seasoning: Salt and extra red pepper flakes (adjust depending on sausage saltiness).

How To Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This soup is as easy as it is comforting. Think of it as your “weeknight hero”—minimal effort, maximum flavor. Here’s how to bring it together:

1. Cook the sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want those little browned bits—they’re flavor gold! Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and paprika to coat the sausage in savory spice right from the start.

2. Build the flavor base

Now it’s time to layer on the goodness. Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the sweet potatoes are lightly coated in the tomato paste and the garlic is fragrant. At this stage, your kitchen will already start smelling like you’ve been cooking all day (when really, it’s only been 10 minutes).

3. Add liquid & simmer

Pour in 6 cups of water—yep, just water! The sausage is going to do the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. Stir well so the tomato paste dissolves fully, then bring everything up to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This is your chance to pour a glass of wine or sneak a piece of bread while the magic happens.

4. Cook the tortellini

Now for the fun part: adding the tortellini. Gently stir them into the soup, cover the pot again, and let them cook for about 10 minutes. Check your package for exact timing, but most refrigerated tortellini cook quickly. They’ll puff up a little as they soften, giving your soup that cozy, pillowy texture that everyone loves.

5. Add spinach & cream

Almost there! Stir in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt into the hot broth—it only takes a minute or two. Then remove the pot from the heat and slowly swirl in the heavy cream. This step transforms your broth into a silky, dreamy base that feels indulgent without being over the top.

6. Season & finish with thyme

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. Depending on your sausage, you may not need much (or any) extra salt. If you like a kick, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme—it adds that restaurant-style finish without any fuss.

Ladle it into bowls, grab some crusty bread, and get ready to fall in love.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bowl

Too thick? Add a splash of water or cream until it’s just right.
Want it spicy? Double up on red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully—though the tortellini will continue to soak up broth. Add a little extra water or cream when reheating.
Kid-friendly hack: Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if your little ones are picky.

This recipe has been my lifesaver on weeks when life felt like one giant to-do list. Tossing everything in the pot and letting it work its magic? Chef’s kiss.

Close-up of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with spinach, carrots, and cheesy tortellini served in a white bowl — A hearty bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth.

FAQs About Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Can I substitute the sweet potato?

Yes! Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even carrots would work beautifully.

Can I use chicken stock instead of water?

Absolutely, though the sausage adds so much flavor you won’t miss it.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth or cream if needed.

Can I freeze this soup?

The creamy base doesn’t freeze well with tortellini inside (they’ll get mushy). If you plan to freeze, cook the soup without tortellini, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.

A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Come Back To

Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a book or gathering your family around the table, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers that irresistible blend of coziness and flavor. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying—like autumn in a bowl. One taste, and this will become your new seasonal favorite!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup has you craving even more comforting dishes, here are some delicious options to try next:

Warm up with another hearty bowl of goodness in this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup—perfect for chilly nights.
Add a fall twist to pasta night with this creamy, flavorful Pumpkin Feta Pasta that screams autumn comfort.
If you’re all about cozy one-pot meals, don’t miss this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
And for a sweet ending, you can’t go wrong with a crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.

Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with the cozy, comfort-food vibes of today’s soup—perfect for building your fall meal rotation.