Cozy Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Autumn Nights

A hearty butternut sausage tortellini soup brings comfort on chilly evenings with its rich, warming flavors.

Italian sausage adds depth to this creamy blend of seasonal ingredients.

Pillowy tortellini float in a velvety broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Chefs love how quickly this recipe comes together, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Nutty butternut squash provides a sweet undertone that perfectly complements the savory meat.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of cream create a luxurious texture that feels indulgent.

Curl up with a steaming bowl and let this soul-warming soup transport you to culinary bliss.

Why Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Feels So Hearty

• Prepare an entire hearty meal in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknights.
• Whip up this delicious soup in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for families seeking a fast, nutritious dinner solution without complicated steps.
• Combine protein-rich sausage, vitamin-packed butternut squash, and nutrient-dense spinach for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes the body with minimal effort.
• Leverage autumn's bounty with butternut squash, creating a warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish everyone will love and request again.

All the Ingredients for Butternut Tortellini Soup

• Sausage: Provides a rich, savory base for the soup with its hearty flavor and meaty texture. Choose Italian sausage for extra spice or mild sausage for a gentler taste.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup's flavor profile. Fresh, yellow onions work best for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Brings a sharp, aromatic punch that enhances overall soup complexity. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended for most robust taste.
• Butternut Squash: Offers a creamy, slightly sweet base with smooth texture. Look for squash that is firm and heavy for its size.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's liquid foundation with rich, savory undertones. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
• Tomatoes: Provide acidity and additional depth to the soup's flavor. Canned diced tomatoes work well for convenience.
• Basil, Oregano: Classic herbs that add Mediterranean-inspired seasoning. Fresh herbs are more vibrant than dried.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for balancing and layering the soup's flavor profile. Adjust to personal heat preference.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds hearty texture and substance. Choose fresh or refrigerated for best quality.
• Spinach: Light, nutritious green that wilts beautifully into the soup. Baby spinach is tender and quick to cook.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth finish with rich mouthfeel. Can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version.
• Parme.

Putting Together a Rich Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large soup pot over medium flame. Crumble sausage into the pot, breaking it down while cooking until golden brown and crispy. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the pot and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its fragrant magic.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Cubed butternut squash
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until squash becomes tender.

Step 4: Introduce the Pasta

Slide tortellini into the soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-6 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Warm gently without boiling.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Soup

• Sausage Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper flavor, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Squash Softening Secret: Cut butternut squash into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and quick tenderness.
• Cream Consistency Trick: Add cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Tortellini Timing Technique: Cook tortellini directly in the soup for maximum flavor absorption and to prevent overcooking.
• Greens Freshness Hack: Add spinach just before serving to preserve vibrant color and maintain crisp texture.

Best Way to Store Butternut Sausage Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain freshness.
• If possible, store cream-based portion separately to prevent separation and maintain soup's original texture.
• Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent cream from breaking.
• Freeze soup without cream and tortellini. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, then add fresh cream and tortellini for best taste and texture.

Sides to Enjoy with This Tortellini Soup

• A chardonnay or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of sausage and cream, balancing the soup's hearty flavors with bright, refreshing notes.
• Grab a crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the soup's delicious broth, adding texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette to contrast the soup's creamy and robust profile.
• Select a malty amber ale or wheat beer that echoes the soup's warmth and complements the sausage's savory depth without overwhelming the delicate tortellini.

Flavor Combinations to Try in This Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Ensure all ingredients like broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream and extra Parmesan to keep the soup rich and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Version: Omit cream and Parmesan. Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile without dairy.

Answers to Your Tortellini Soup Questions

• Can I use a different type of sausage in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the soup without the tortellini and cream. Add those fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and quality.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add extra protein like white beans or additional vegetables like diced zucchini or kale to increase the soup’s substance and nutritional value.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your tortellini is vegetarian-friendly.

Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty butternut sausage tortellini soup delivers comfort with Italian-inspired charm, blending sweet squash and savory sausage in a rich, creamy broth. Seasonal warmth and robust flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying culinary experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups diced butternut squash (½-inch cubes)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

Liquid and Dairy:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 9 oz (255 g) cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crumble the sausage into a spacious soup pot, sizzling over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Drain any excess fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
2. Introduce diced onions to the pot, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence.
3. Tumble in cubed butternut squash, accompanied by chicken broth, diced tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a whisper of red pepper flakes. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer until the squash yields effortlessly to a fork.
4. Carefully nestle tortellini into the simmering liquid, cooking until they float and achieve a tender, pillowy texture.
5. Scatter fresh spinach across the surface, watching it gracefully wilt into the soup. Gently stream in cream and sprinkle Parmesan, allowing the ingredients to marry without reaching a boiling point.
6. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference. Ladle the soup into waiting bowls, crowning each serving with a delicate shower of Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Transform the soup by using plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt additions during cooking process.
• Enhance texture by cutting butternut squash into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and balanced mouthfeel.
• Make ahead by preparing soup base without tortellini, then adding pasta just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain optimal pasta texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg