Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Fall

Cozy autumn evenings call for a warm, hearty butternut squash sausage tortellini soup that hugs your soul with every spoonful.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with sweet roasted butternut squash, creating a magical blend of comfort and flavor.

Tender tortellini float like little pillows of deliciousness in this rich, creamy broth.

Herbs and spices dance together, infusing each bite with depth and warmth.

The soup promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you to a rustic Italian kitchen.

Fragrant and satisfying, this one-pot wonder comes together effortlessly.

Prepare to be swept away by a bowl of pure culinary comfort that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Quick and Versatile Meal: Prepare a delicious one-pot wonder that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a rich, creamy soup that combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with sweet butternut squash and cheesy tortellini, sure to impress family and friends.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal that looks and tastes like you've been cooking all day, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Essentials

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that brings richness to the soup.

• Butternut Squash: Sweet and creamy squash that adds warmth to the dish.
• Onion: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that forms the soup's foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient that creates a luxurious texture.

• Dried Thyme, Ground Sage: Herb combination that adds earthy undertones.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that gives a gentle kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Cheese Tortellini: Delightful stuffed pasta that makes the soup hearty.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional green herb for freshness and color.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for initial cooking.

How to Make This Hearty Butternut Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it develops a rich golden color, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Create Soup Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Butternut squash cubes
• Dried thyme
• Ground sage
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Pour broth into the pot and bring to a rolling boil.

Add all ingredients from the list above.

Reduce heat and let simmer until squash becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches and blend until completely smooth.

Step 5: Add Creamy Richness

Swirl heavy cream into the soup and gently drop cheese tortellini.

Cook until pasta becomes perfectly tender and plump, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle into warm bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Tips for a Flavor-Packed Butternut Tortellini Bowl

• Break down sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Cut butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking and smooth blending, preventing chunky or uneven soup consistency.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for controlled spiciness.
• Slowly stir heavy cream into the soup to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, smooth texture without separating the ingredients.
• Add cheese tortellini towards the end of cooking to maintain their tender, al dente texture and prevent becoming mushy in the soup.

Storing Butternut Tortellini Soup for Later

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Tortellini might become softer when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and consistency before serving.

Sides That Go With Butternut Sausage Soup

• Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy soup without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Bread Companion: Serve crusty sourdough or rustic Italian bread to soak up the soup's velvety texture and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Salad Partner: Toss a crisp arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and light lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty and creamy profile with a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Herbal Accent: Sprinkle fresh thyme or sage leaves on top to enhance the soup's existing herbal notes and provide an aromatic finishing touch.

Creative Takes on Butternut Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu. Enhance flavor with smoked paprika and nutritional yeast for depth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap cheese tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or replace with quinoa. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure complete allergen-free preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Increase protein by adding grilled chicken pieces or additional sausage for more substantial meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free tortellini filled with vegetables or vegan cheese to maintain creamy texture while eliminating dairy components.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor profiles in this soup?

The soup combines savory Italian sausage, sweet butternut squash, and warm herbs like thyme and sage, creating a rich, comforting blend of earthy and slightly spicy flavors.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to maintain a hearty texture and protein content.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, it offers a good mix of protein from sausage and tortellini, complex carbohydrates from squash, and beneficial nutrients from herbs and vegetables, making it a wholesome one-pot meal.

• How can I enhance the soup's texture?

Consider adding some crispy pancetta bits, toasted pumpkin seeds, or croutons on top to introduce a crunchy contrast to the creamy, smooth soup base.

Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty butternut squash sausage tortellini soup combines rich Italian flavors with comforting autumn warmth. Creamy broth, tender sausage, and cheesy tortellini create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 9 ounces (255 grams) cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids, Seasonings, and Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish

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Instructions

1. Transform ground sausage into crispy morsels by sizzling in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium-high temperature, actively breaking apart meat with a wooden utensil until golden brown and fragmented.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the caramelized meat, allowing aromatics to become translucent and release their delicate fragrances.
3. Stream chicken broth into the pot, escalating heat to generate a vigorous boil. Cascade cubed butternut squash along with dried thyme, ground sage, and crimson pepper flakes into the liquid.
4. Reduce temperature and permit the mixture to gently simmer, enabling squash to soften and absorb surrounding flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Utilize an immersion blender to transform the rustic soup into a velvety texture, pulverizing ingredients until achieving a smooth, consistent landscape.
6. Incorporate rich heavy cream, stirring gracefully to integrate luxurious dimensions into the soup’s profile.
7. Introduce cheese tortellini, allowing pasta pillows to dance within the liquid and become perfectly tender, typically requiring 5-7 minutes of gentle cooking.
8. Calibrate seasoning with strategic pinches of salt and cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels, optionally adorning with delicate fresh parsley sprigs for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Transform texture by partially blending the soup, leaving chunks for varied mouthfeel and rustic appeal.
• Swap Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, using smoked paprika to maintain deep flavor complexity.
• Reduce cream or replace with coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Prevent tortellini from becoming mushy by adding them in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking and selecting high-quality, fresh pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg