Delicious Sweet Potato Sausage Soup with Kale & Pasta: Your Go-To Comfort Food Recipe

Warm up with a bowl of our incredibly comforting and flavorful Sweet Potato Sausage Soup, packed with tender sweet potatoes, savory Italian sausage, vibrant kale, and delicate pasta shells. This recipe is the epitome of a perfect dinner on a chilly autumn or winter evening!

There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of soup. For many, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace that warms you from the inside out. I consider myself a devout soup enthusiast, a “soup person” through and through. In fact, my love for soup transcends seasons – I could happily enjoy a hearty bowl even when the sun is blazing at 100 degrees Fahrenheit! While some might find that a bit unusual, the pure comfort and deliciousness that soup offers are simply irresistible to me.

Whether it’s a classic Tomato Soup, a creamy Butternut Squash Soup, or a rustic Vegetable Soup, each variation brings its own unique charm and satisfaction. But today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly balances heartiness with healthfulness: our Sweet Potato Sausage Soup. This dish is designed to become a staple in your recipe rotation, especially when the weather turns crisp and you’re craving something truly nourishing.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Potato Sausage Soup

This Sweet Potato Sausage Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create an extraordinary meal. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:

• Hearty & Wholesome: It’s incredibly filling without being overly heavy, thanks to the combination of protein-rich sausage, fiber-packed sweet potatoes, and nutrient-dense kale.
• Surprisingly Healthy: We love adding healthier elements like fresh greens and a variety of vegetables to our soups. What’s even better is that my kids, to my pleasant surprise, usually devour them! This soup is a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Despite its rich flavor profile, this soup comes together surprisingly fast. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bursting with Flavor: The savory Italian sausage, sweet and earthy sweet potatoes, pungent garlic, and fresh kale create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply seeking comfort on a quiet night in, this soup fits the bill perfectly.

Forget bland, watery soups! This recipe delivers a robust, flavorful experience that satisfies every craving. It’s the ideal dish to warm your soul and nourish your body, making it a standout choice for cold evenings or any time you desire a truly comforting meal.

Diving Deeper into the Key Ingredients

The success of this Sweet Potato Sausage Soup lies in its carefully chosen components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating its unique texture and taste. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so special:

• Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant orange root vegetables are the star of the show, providing a natural sweetness, creamy texture, and a wealth of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious addition. When diced, they soften beautifully in the broth, releasing their subtle sweetness and slightly thickening the soup.
• Italian Sausage: The savory, slightly spicy kick from ground Italian sausage provides a fantastic depth of flavor and protein. You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on your preference. Browning the sausage properly is crucial as it creates flavorful fond at the bottom of the pot, which deglazes into the broth and infuses the entire soup with a rich, umami taste.
• Fresh Kale: A powerhouse of nutrition, kale adds a lovely vibrant green color and a slightly earthy, bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of the potatoes and richness of the sausage. It’s packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as essential minerals. When added at the end, it wilts perfectly, adding texture without becoming mushy. If you don’t have kale, spinach or chard can also be used.
• Small Pasta Shells: These tiny pasta shapes are ideal for soup as they cook quickly and are easy to scoop up with every spoonful. They add a comforting carbohydrate element, making the soup even more substantial. You can use ditalini, small elbow macaroni, or orzo if shells aren’t available.
• Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): The foundation of any great soup, diced yellow onion and minced garlic are sautéed to perfection, creating an aromatic base that permeates the entire dish with irresistible flavor.
• Chicken Broth & Water: A combination of chicken broth and water forms the liquid base of our soup. Using good quality broth is key for a flavorful result. You can adjust the ratio based on how concentrated you want the broth to be.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the sausage, olive oil helps to develop the initial flavors of the soup.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust as you go!
• Parmesan Cheese (for serving): A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami finish that complements the soup beautifully.

Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup

A truly comforting and delicious soup, brimming with the goodness of sweet potatoes, savory sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and delightful small pasta shells.

Course: Main

Author: Jenn

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, to your taste)
• 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup small pasta shells
• 4 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to start building layers of flavor.
2. Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, typically about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot, if desired.
3. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the small pasta shells. Cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package instructions recommend to ensure it doesn’t get mushy later.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped kale to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender to your liking and the kale has wilted beautifully, which usually takes about 4-6 minutes.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hearty Sweet Potato Sausage Soup into individual bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

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Tips for Crafting the Perfect Sweet Potato Sausage Soup

To ensure your Sweet Potato Sausage Soup turns out absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta can quickly become mushy in soup. By cooking it for 3 minutes less than the package directions, you allow it to finish cooking to al dente perfection as the soup simmers with the kale, ensuring a pleasant bite.
• Proper Browning of Sausage: Take your time to brown the Italian sausage thoroughly. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that will infuse the entire soup. Don’t rush it!
• Season in Layers: Season the onions and garlic, then the sausage, and finally the entire soup. Tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper at different stages ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: While convenience is great, using fresh garlic and onion will make a significant difference in the overall flavor of your soup compared to powdered alternatives.
• Customize Your Greens: While kale is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Add them at the very end to prevent overcooking.
• Spice It Up or Keep It Mild: If you enjoy a bit of heat, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion. For a milder soup, use sweet or mild Italian sausage.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the cooked sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot before adding the kale. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing any flour or cornstarch.

Variations and Substitutions for Your Soup

This Sweet Potato Sausage Soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based ground sausage alternative or crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider chickpeas or cannellini beans.
• Different Proteins: Instead of Italian sausage, you could use ground chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Cooked shredded chicken or even beef stew meat (browned first) could also work, though cooking times would vary.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the sweet potatoes.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) just before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free pasta shells or another small gluten-free pasta shape.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Parmesan, a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or even a dollop of fresh ricotta can add a lovely finish.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

This Sweet Potato Sausage Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with homemade garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftovers of this soup are often even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened significantly or absorbed too much liquid, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers.