Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Fall Comfort

Crisp autumn winds call for a comforting bowl of butternut sausage tortellini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, hearty flavors dance together in this delightful one-pot wonder.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with sweet roasted butternut squash, creating a symphony of tastes that sing of seasonal comfort.

Tender cheese tortellini adds a satisfying texture to each spoonful of this velvety soup.

Herbs and spices weave through the broth, enhancing every delectable bite.

Home cooks will love how easily this recipe comes together, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

Dive into this soul-satisfying soup and let its warmth embrace you like a cozy blanket.

Serve Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup for Cozy Nights

• Cozy Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this hearty soup as the star of your winter gathering, accompanied by crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that'll warm everyone's heart.
• Gourmet Garnish Station: Set up a small tray with toppings like crispy pancetta bits, extra grated parmesan, fresh thyme leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds so guests can customize their bowls with delicious crunchy additions.
• Rustic Bread Pairing Perfection: Offer slices of sourdough or rosemary focaccia on the side, encouraging diners to dunk and soak up the rich, creamy soup with every delightful bite.
• Wine Companion Recommendation: Pair this robust soup with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to complement the savory sausage and sweet butternut squash flavors.

Store Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup and Keep It Creamy

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch of this delicious soup and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future dinners.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep tortellini and sausage separate from liquid base to maintain optimal texture when reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Gently warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave to prevent tortellini from becoming mushy and rubbery.
• Lunch Prep Hero: Pack soup in insulated thermos for work or school lunches. Include small container of extra grated cheese and fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before eating, keeping flavors fresh and exciting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Special

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky foundation for sautéing ingredients, enhancing overall depth of flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty complexity and traditional Italian taste, choose fresh ground sausage for best results.
• Onion: Creates aromatic base with sweet undertones, select firm and glossy onions for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent notes that complement other ingredients, opt for fresh cloves with tight skin.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant warmth, adjust according to spice preference.

• Thyme: Contributes earthy, woodsy undertones, fresh herbs provide more intense flavor profile.
• Sage: Offers robust, slightly peppery essence, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Chicken Broth: Builds foundational liquid with savory depth, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Butternut Squash: Provides creamy texture and natural sweetness, choose squash with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Apple: Introduces subtle sweetness and crisp texture, select firm, ripe fruits for best results.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, subtle spice that complements squash beautifully.

• Cheese Tortellini: Creates hearty, satisfying element, look for fresh pasta with robust cheese filling.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, velvety consistency, room temperature cream blends more smoothly.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Delivers tangy, nutty finishing touch, always grate fresh for maximum flavor.

Tools to Prepare Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for cooking sausage, sautéing onions, and simmering soup.
• Spatula: Essential for breaking apart sausage and stirring ingredients.
• Stick Blender: Ideal for pureeing soup directly in the pan for smooth consistency.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and butternut squash.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding herbs and spices accurately.
• Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup.

How to Simmer Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Properly

• Sausage Foundation

Warm olive oil in a large pan. Break apart and brown Italian sausage until fully cooked, creating a flavorful base for the soup.

• Aromatic Awakening

Sauté diced onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and sage, releasing their enticing fragrance.

• Liquid Gold

Pour chicken broth into the pan. Include cubed butternut squash and diced apple. Bring to a boil, then simmer until squash becomes tender. Blend the mixture into a silky smooth consistency.

• Cheese Comfort

Return pureed soup to the pan. Gently introduce cheese tortellini, letting them cook until perfectly soft and pillowy.

• Creamy Elevation

Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmigiano Reggiano. Watch the cheese melt and create a luxurious texture.

• Final Flourish

Fold in fresh baby spinach until it wilts. Reintroduce the cooked sausage, mixing thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Soup Symphony

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty autumn soup.

Flavor Variations for Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Squash Swap: No butternut squash? Substitute with acorn, delicata, or pumpkin for an equally delicious autumn-inspired soup. Each variety brings a unique sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Protein Power: Transform this soup by experimenting with different sausage types like chicken sausage, spicy chorizo, or vegetarian plant-based alternatives. The protein choice dramatically changes the soup's flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: For lactose-intolerant friends, replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. These alternatives maintain a creamy consistency while adding subtle nutty undertones.
• Herb Garden Hack: Fresh herbs elevate the soup's complexity. Try adding fresh rosemary, oregano, or basil during the sautéing stage for an extra layer of aromatic depth. Dried herbs work wonderfully too if fresh aren't available.
• Texture Twist: Want more substance? Toss in white beans, roasted corn kernels, or diced potatoes to make the soup heartier and more filling. These additions provide extra nutrition and a satisfying mouthfeel.

Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty butternut sausage tortellini soup blends robust Italian flavors with comforting autumn ingredients. Seasonal ingredients and rich textures create a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms souls completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 lb (454 g) butternut squash, cubed
• 1 lb (454 g) cheese tortellini
• 4 oz (113 g) baby spinach
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) sage, thinly sliced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Crumble Italian sausage in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, browning thoroughly until crisp and fully rendered, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer cooked meat to a separate plate.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and sage. Quickly stir to release herbal essences, allowing ingredients to bloom for 60 seconds.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Pour chicken broth into the pan, adding cubed butternut squash and diced apple. Sprinkle cinnamon for depth. Escalate to boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing vegetables to tenderize for 15 minutes.
4. Texture Transformation: Puree the soup using an immersion blender until achieving a silky, uniform consistency without lumps. Return to pan and carefully add cheese tortellini, cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
5. Creamy Finish: Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream. Grate Parmigiano Reggiano directly into the soup, stirring until cheese melts completely. Fold in fresh baby spinach, allowing leaves to wilt. Reintroduce reserved sausage, mixing thoroughly.
6. Final Flourish: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately with a garnish of additional herbs if desired.

Notes

• Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.
• Blending Technique: Use caution when blending hot soup to prevent potential kitchen accidents and ensure smooth consistency.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Grate Parmigiano Reggiano fresh for optimal flavor and smoother melting into the soup.
• Spinach Freshness: Add spinach at the very end to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value, preventing overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg