Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy bowl that wraps up all the warm, hearty flavors of the season, look no further than this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a crisp day. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a savory broth full of sweet butternut squash, bright carrots, and hearty Italian sausage—all brought together with fresh spinach and a hint of thyme. Every spoonful bursts with comforting tastes and textures that celebrate autumn’s bounty in the most satisfying way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage so irresistibly tasty. From the savory depth of Italian sausage to the sweet notes of butternut squash, every component is key.

• Italian sausage (1 lb): This adds a robust, meaty flavor that forms the backbone of the soup.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to brown the sausage and soften the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
• Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup’s base.
• Garlic cloves, minced (2): Gives a gentle pungency that balances the richness of the sausage.
• Carrots, peeled and sliced (2): Add subtle sweetness and lovely color.
• Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (2 cups): Brings creamy texture and a hint of natural sweetness essential to autumn vibes.
• Chicken broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together into a warm, nourishing soup.
• Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): These tender pillows of pasta take the soup from simple to luxurious.
• Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds freshness and vibrant green color, plus a boost of nutrients.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the sausage and vegetables perfectly.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A finishing touch that adds rich, salty complexity.

How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning it well is important—it develops the deep, savory flavors that make this soup memorable. If there’s excess fat, remove a little so your soup stays balanced and not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the onions to become translucent. This step helps coax out their natural sweetness and melds their flavors with the sausage.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. This simmering phase, about 15 minutes, cooks the squash and carrots until tender and infuses the broth with wonderful autumnal notes.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Once the vegetables are tender, add the cheese tortellini straight into the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are perfectly tender and ready to soak up the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning

Stir in the baby spinach and cook just 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts beautifully, adding a fresh, leafy element that brightens the soup. Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to suit your palate, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly seasoned.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and don’t forget to shower it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. That final sprinkle melts into the soup, elevating every bite with a nutty, salty richness that’s nothing short of divine.

How to Serve Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Garnishes

Enhance your soup with a handful of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pumpkin seeds can also add an exciting texture and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to sop up every last drop of that delicious broth. A crisp, lightly dressed autumn salad with apples and walnuts can also provide a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage in hollowed-out small pumpkins or squash bowls. This idea not only looks stunning but boosts the autumnal feel of your meal. If you’re hosting, individual soup sets paired with rustic cloth napkins can really elevate your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or cozy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and spinach, as they can change texture after thawing. Freeze the broth, sausage, and veggies together, then cook fresh tortellini and add spinach when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add fresh tortellini and spinach at this point if freezing without them. Stir occasionally until piping hot, and adjust seasoning before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings a classic flavor, you can experiment with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a different twist. Each will add its own unique taste to the soup.

What can I substitute for butternut squash?

If butternut squash isn’t available, try using pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or even peeled kabocha squash. These offer a similar sweetness and creaminess that complements the soup beautifully.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional cheese tortellini contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free tortellini or small gluten-free pasta shapes to make the soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing comfort.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty mushrooms or smoked paprika can help replicate some of the savory depth that sausage provides.

How spicy is the soup?

This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is generally mild and comforting. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little extra warmth and spice to brighten up the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a bowl of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage to make chilly days feel cozy, festive, and downright delicious. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and satisfying every time. I can honestly say this soup has earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and I can’t wait for you to taste it and make it a favorite too!

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