Cozy Autumn Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hey Y'all!  Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen.  As soon as the air turns crips and the leaves start to fall, I crave one thing, a big comforting bowl of soup.  

This Cozy Autumn Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup is everything I love about fall in one pot.  Hearty sausage, creamy broth, tender sweet potatoes, and cheesy tortellini that make every spoonful irresistible.  It's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for those chilly nights when you want something cozy and satisfying.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's get started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Hearty & Filling:  Between the sausage, sweet potatoes, and tortellini this soup eats like a meal.  
• Simple Ingredients:   Everything is easy to find and comes together in under an hour.  
• Full of Flavor:  Smoked paprika, sage, and nutmeg give it that cozy autumn vibe, 
• Family Friendly:  Kids love the cheesy tortellini, and adults appreciate the depth of flavor.  
• Flexible:  Use mild or spicy sausage, swap in kale or spinach, and adjust the cream to your liking.  

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

• 1 lb Ground Breakfast Sausage (mild, spicy, pork, or chicken)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, diced
• 3 Carrots, sliced
• 2 Celery Stalks, sliced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, cubed (about 4 cups)
• 6 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Sage
• 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 (9oz) Package Cheese Tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 2 cups Kale or Baby Spinach (optional)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half and half for lighter)
• Parmesan Cheese, for serving

HOW TO MAKE COZY AUTUMN SAUSAGE AND SWEET POTATO TORTELLINI SOUP:

1. Brown the Sausage:  In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into a crumble constancy.  Remove and excess grease if necessary. 
2. Sauté the Veggies:  Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.  Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.  Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.  
3. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices:  Stir in sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, sage, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes so the spices bloom.  
4. Simmer:  Pour in the chicken broth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.  
5. Cook the Tortellini:  Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes).  
6. Finish with Cream and Greens:  Stir in heavy cream and spinach or kale until wilted.  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.  
7. Serve and Enjoy:  Ladle the soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a sprinkle of cracked pepper.  

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS COZY SOUP:

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you're building a complete meal, try one of these simple sides:

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette:  Perfect for dipping into that creamy broth.
• Fall Harvest Salad:  Mixed greens, apple slices, cranberries, and toasted pecans with a light vinaigrette. 
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Green Beans:  Add a bit of green to balance the richness. 
• Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins:  Sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious with a pat of butter.  

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Make it Lighter:  Swap heavy cream for half and half or a splash of milk.
• Meal Prep Magic:  This soup reheats beautifully.  Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up. 
• Add Heat:  Use spicy sausage or a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra warmth. 
• Vegetarian Option:  Use plant-based sausage (the Impossible brand works great) or skip it all together.  Use vegetable broth and a plant based heavy cream. 

FAQs:

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely!  Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.  

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze it before adding the tortellini and cream.  When ready to eat, reheat and add fresh tortellini and cream. 

Can I make it in the slow cooker?

YES!  Cook the sausage first, then add everything (except tortellini and cream) to your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.  Stir in tortellini and cream in the last 20-30 minutes.  

This Cozy Autumn Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup is the ultimate bowl of fall comfort.  It's rich, hearty, and layered with seasonal flavor; the kind of meal that makes your home smell amazing and your family come running to the table.  Pair it with warm bread, a flickering candle, and your favorite sweater, and you've got the perfect autumn evening.  I know you're gonna love it, so give it a try tonight! 

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~