Cozy Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup

ByEmily International Cuisine, Soup
Cozy Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup

Introduction

This rustic Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup combines the comfort of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. Born from the tradition of minestrone but elevated with cheese-filled tortellini and the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes, this hearty soup represents the perfect marriage of Old World charm and contemporary cooking. Originally crafted as a way to utilize seasonal ingredients, this soup has evolved into a beloved family favorite that brings warmth to any dinner table, especially during cooler months.

Ingredients

For 6-8 servings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 200g/7 oz)
  • 3 celery stalks, diced (about 180g/6.3 oz)
  • 2 carrots, diced (about 200g/7 oz)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (about 6g/0.2 oz)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled & cubed (about 300g/10.5 oz)
  • 24 ounces (680g) tomato sauce
  • 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 12 ounces (340g) tortellini
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 7 minutes until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and meat.
  5. Introduce cubed sweet potato, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and rosemary sprig. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Maintain a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Remove excess fat if desired by gently laying paper towels on the surface.
  8. Add tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes for frozen, 3-5 minutes for fresh).
  9. Once tortellini is tender, fold in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Remove rosemary sprig before serving.

Timing and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 1280mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. For enhanced flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
  2. Cut vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
  3. Toast the tomato paste until it darkens slightly to develop a deeper flavor.
  4. For a thicker soup, mash some sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot.
  5. Reserve some Parmesan for garnishing individual servings.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Options:
  • Turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
  • Plant-based sausage for vegetarian preparation
  • Ground beef or pork as alternatives
  1. Pasta Variations:
  • Regular cheese ravioli
  • Small shell pasta
  • Gnocchi
  1. Vegetable Substitutions:
  • Butternut squash instead of sweet potato
  • Kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach
  • Add mushrooms for extra umami
  1. Broth Options:
  • Vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • Bone broth for added nutrition
  • Low-sodium broth to reduce salt content

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the soup without adding the tortellini, spinach, and Parmesan. Add these ingredients when reheating to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Freeze the base soup without tortellini and spinach for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta and greens when reheating.

Q: How can I make this soup less spicy?
A: Use mild Italian sausage and reduce the black pepper. You can also add a splash of cream to mellow the heat.

Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free pasta or additional vegetables. Ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage Instructions:

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Store pasta separately if making ahead
  • Cool completely before refrigerating

Make-Ahead Tips:

  1. Prepare vegetable base up to 2 days ahead
  2. Cook pasta fresh when serving to prevent over-softening
  3. For meal prep, portion into individual containers without pasta
  4. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding fresh spinach when serving