Name: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 2 cups baby spinach; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, hearty, and vividly flavorful bowl that perfectly captures the essence of the changing seasons, this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant butternut squash, this soup strikes a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, this recipe brings the comforting spirit of autumn right to your table in a simple and satisfying way.

A white bowl filled with a rich soup showing four visible layers: the bottom layer is a light creamy broth with a slightly oily texture, the second layer has soft, yellow tortellini spread throughout, some topped with a light dusting of grated white cheese and black pepper; on top of this layer are vibrant green spinach leaves, partially wilted and mixed with small chunks of brown, cooked ground meat and pieces of bright red tomato. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These straightforward components combine effortlessly to create a soup that is both wholesome and rich without requiring complicated steps or exotic items.

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds a rich, savory depth and a touch of spicy warmth that makes the soup truly irresistible.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables, giving a perfect base of flavor.
1 medium onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the broth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with its unmistakable warm and savory aroma.
2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Introduce a gentle earthiness and a slight crunch for texture contrast.
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed: Offers a creamy sweetness and vibrant orange color that brightens the bowl.
6 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing a rich and comforting liquid that ties everything together.
1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini: Brings a satisfying chew and cheesy indulgence within every bite.
2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green, plus a boost of nutrients.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Imparts an earthy, slightly minty flavor that perfectly complements the autumn ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A finishing touch that melts delightfully atop the hot soup, enhancing its richness.

How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing it from its casings, and break it apart with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it is nicely browned and thoroughly cooked, releasing its savory oils and flavors into the pan. If you notice excess fat, feel free to remove it to keep the soup from feeling greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

To the delicious sausage, add diced onion, garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash. Cook these together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften slightly and begin to release their sweetness. This step builds a hearty, fragrant base for the broth.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Pour in six cups of chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. This slow cooking lets flavors meld beautifully while tenderizing the squash and carrots—about 15 minutes is perfect.

Step 4: Cook the Cheese Tortellini

Next, add your cheese tortellini directly into the soup pot. Follow the package’s cooking time, usually between five to seven minutes, until the pasta puffs up soft and deliciously tender. The tortellini soak up the savory broth, adding a lush creaminess in every bite.

Step 5: Add Baby Spinach and Season

Finally, stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook for another one to two minutes until they wilt but still maintain their vibrant green color. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to bring out the full spectrum of flavors, adjusting to your taste preference.

Step 6: Serve with a Parmesan Finish

Ladle this soul-satisfying soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the hot broth, introducing an irresistible, slightly nutty richness that makes this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This soup loves a little extra flair at the table. Freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate it even further. Consider adding extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to bring a touch of heat and excitement.

Side Dishes

Serve this Autumn Tortellini Soup with some crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup and balances the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, consider serving the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. Such presentations turn an everyday meal into a charming seasonal centerpiece that everyone will love. Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a spiced apple cider to complete the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. Keep in mind that the tortellini may soak up more broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe for up to two months, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the tortellini. Pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated, so cook fresh tortellini when ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to loosen the consistency. If the tortellini were added before freezing, be careful not to overcook during reheating. For best results, add fresh tortellini after warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives this soup its signature flavor, you can swap it for turkey sausage for a leaner option or even a spicy chorizo if you want a kick. Just adjust cooking times and spice levels accordingly.

Is it okay to use store-bought broth?

Yes! Using a good quality chicken broth is a great shortcut without sacrificing flavor. For an even richer taste, you could also blend chicken broth with homemade or low-sodium varieties.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead. You might want to add mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative to keep the heartiness of the dish.

How spicy is the soup?

This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is mildly seasoned, letting the natural flavors shine. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking or sprinkle some on top before serving.

Can I substitute the tortellini with another pasta?

You can try small pasta shapes like orecchiette or mini shells if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and you want to choose something that holds up well in soup for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl that celebrates all the best flavors of the season. It’s approachable, delicious, and satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special dish to share with loved ones. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a staple in your chilly-weather cooking repertoire!