Name: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Beef Sausage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Beef 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; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting embrace in a bowl, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the season. As the crisp autumn air signals shorter days and golden leaves, our cravings naturally turn towards dishes that offer warmth, heartiness, and profound flavor. This robust soup answers that call beautifully, weaving together savory elements with tender pasta for an unforgettable experience.

Hailing from the esteemed culinary traditions of Italy, tortellini, those exquisite, ring-shaped pasta parcels, have long been a beloved staple, often served in nourishing broths. Our rendition takes this classic concept and infuses it with the rustic charm of hearty sausage and a medley of seasonal vegetables, creating a delightful harmony that feels both traditional and utterly fresh.

Why You’ll Adore This Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage

I find that this particular Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage offers an unparalleled blend of convenience and gourmet appeal. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet tastes like it took hours to simmer. The rich, savory sausage, combined with the delicate bite of the tortellini and a flavorful broth, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your autumn repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that nourishes the body and comforts the soul, inviting everyone to gather around and savor the season’s bounty.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Olive Oil, plus more if needed
1 pound Italian Sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed (ground sausage works wonderfully too!)
1 large Yellow Onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
3 Carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
3 Celery Stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to your spice preference, or omit for a milder soup)
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
6 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium (or vegetable broth for a meatless option)
2 cups Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
1 Bay Leaf
1 (9-ounce) package Fresh or Frozen Cheese Tortellini (or your favorite tortellini variety)
4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or Kale, stems removed and roughly chopped if using kale
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving
Fresh Parsley or Basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Foundation: Sautéing and Aromatics for Your Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Brown the Italian Sausage: Begin by heating the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to brown the sausage thoroughly, allowing it to develop a beautiful, rich crust. This caramelization adds immense depth of flavor to our “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.” Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s no longer pink and is nicely browned. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set it aside in a bowl, leaving any rendered fat behind. Don’t worry if there are some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; those are flavor gold!
Sauté the Mirepoix: Reduce the heat to medium. If there’s less than a tablespoon of fat remaining in the pot, add a touch more olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. We’re looking for these aromatic vegetables to soften significantly and become translucent, releasing their sweet, savory essence. This patient step builds a robust flavor base that will truly shine in our hearty “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.”
Introduce Garlic and Spices: Once the mirepoix is tender, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly. You’ll notice an incredibly fragrant aroma filling your kitchen almost immediately. It’s crucial not to let the garlic burn, as this can turn bitter. The gentle heat allows the dried herbs to bloom, releasing their full potential and adding to the cozy, autumnal profile of this delicious soup.

Building the Hearty Soup Base: Simmering the Flavors for a Rich Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all those caramelized bits back into the soup, adding incredible depth and complexity to the overall flavor of our “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.” Stir well to combine the tomatoes with the sautéed vegetables and aromatics.
Add Broth and Butternut Squash: Next, pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Stir in the diced butternut squash and tuck in the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for allowing the butternut squash to soften until it’s fork-tender and for all the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully. The squash will infuse the broth with its natural sweetness, contributing to the signature autumn essence of this “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.”
Season and Taste: After the squash is tender, remove and discard the bay leaf. At this point, I like to give the soup its initial seasoning. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can’t take it away! Aim for a perfectly balanced savory flavor that highlights the warmth of the herbs and the sweetness of the squash. This ensures your “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” is seasoned to perfection before the final additions.

The Creamy Finish and Adding the Stars: Tortellini and Greens for Your Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Introduce the Tortellini and Sausage: Return the reserved cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Add the 9-ounce package of fresh or frozen cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and slightly longer for frozen. You want the tortellini to be al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy, so keep a close eye on it. This step is where the “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” truly comes together, making it a substantial and comforting meal.
Stir in Greens and Cream: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh baby spinach or kale. If you’re using kale, allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts and softens to your liking. Spinach will wilt almost instantly. Finally, stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The cream adds a luscious, velvety texture and a touch of richness that beautifully complements the robust flavors of the sausage and vegetables, elevating this “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” to a truly gourmet experience. Heat through gently for just a minute or two, ensuring the soup doesn’t come to a rolling boil after adding the cream, as this can sometimes cause dairy to separate.
Final Taste and Adjustments: Give the entire pot a good stir and do a final taste test. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you feel it needs a little more zing. Sometimes, a pinch more salt can really make all the other flavors pop. Ensure the soup is heated through evenly and is perfectly seasoned. This is your last chance to tailor the “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” to your exact preference before serving.

Serving Your Cozy Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Ladle and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of the hot “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” into bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a flourish of fresh parsley or basil, if desired. The fresh herbs add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh aroma that brightens the entire dish.
Enjoy Immediately: Serve your comforting “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” immediately with a side of crusty bread for dipping, if you like. This soup is perfect for a chilly autumn evening, offering warmth, heartiness, and an incredible depth of flavor that will make everyone feel cozy and satisfied. It’s a truly wonderful and fulfilling meal that brings all the best flavors of the season together in one pot.

Tips for Perfect Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage:

Butternut Squash Prep: If you’re short on time, many grocery stores offer pre-cut butternut squash. This can significantly reduce prep time for your “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.” Alternatively, for a creamier soup, you could roast the butternut squash separately until very tender, then mash half of it and stir into the soup, adding incredible sweetness and body.
Kale vs. Spinach: Both work beautifully. Kale will add a slightly earthier flavor and more chew, while spinach will wilt down quickly and contribute a milder taste. Choose based on your preference! If using heartier kale varieties, you might want to massage it lightly with a tiny bit of olive oil before adding it to the soup to help it tenderize.
Freezing and Storing: This “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” freezes quite well, though the tortellini may become a little softer upon reheating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed.
Spice Level: Don’t be shy about adjusting the red pepper flakes. If you love a kick, add more! If you prefer it milder, feel free to omit them entirely. The Italian sausage itself can contribute to the spice level, so taste it before you decide.
Broth Quality: Using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage.” If you have homemade broth, this is an excellent opportunity to use it!
Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to customize this “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” with other autumn-friendly vegetables. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of green beans would make lovely additions. Just be mindful of their cooking times.

This “Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage” is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The way the savory Italian sausage blends with the sweet butternut squash, the tender tortellini, and the creamy broth creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and provide a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. Enjoy every spoonful!

Conclusion:

There’s a certain magic that happens when a recipe transcends mere ingredients and becomes an experience, and I truly believe this incredible soup does just that. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting embrace on a crisp day, a symphony of flavors that manages to be both complex and incredibly accessible. If you’ve been searching for that quintessential dish to perfectly encapsulate the coziness and abundance of the season, then look no further. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a heartfelt recommendation from me to you. The richness of the broth, the savory bite of the sausage, and the tender, cheesy pockets of tortellini come together in a way that feels both gourmet and homey all at once. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making you feel nourished and utterly content.

I genuinely consider this recipe a must-try for anyone who appreciates deeply flavorful, satisfying food that doesn’t demand hours of strenuous effort. It’s perfect for a bustling weeknight when you need something quick yet impressive, or for a leisurely weekend afternoon when you want to fill your home with an irresistible aroma. The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, while the harmonious blend of herbs and spices ensures every spoonful is a delight. We’re talking about a dish that effortlessly brings people together around the table, fostering conversations and creating cherished memories. It’s the kind of comfort food that resonates deeply, making you want to curl up with a big bowl and simply savor the moment. This truly is the ultimate Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage – a dish that embodies everything wonderful about the season.

Making it Your Own: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Once you’ve crafted your perfect pot of this delectable soup, the serving possibilities are endless, and personalizing it can be half the fun! For a classic pairing, I highly recommend serving it alongside a crusty loaf of artisanal bread – perhaps a sourdough or a rustic whole wheat – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible broth. A simple green salad, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, offers a lovely freshness and balance to the richness of the soup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of warm, buttery garlic knots or a slice of focaccia would be absolutely divine. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese right before serving; it melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of salty, umami goodness that truly elevates the experience.

Now, let’s talk about variations – because cooking should always be an adventure! If you’re looking to make this a vegetarian delight, simply omit the sausage and instead sauté a generous mix of cremini mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, perhaps with a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for added protein and heartiness. For a different protein, ground chicken or turkey can be swapped in for the sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken added at the end for an even quicker meal. Feel free to play with your greens too; while spinach wilts beautifully, chopped kale or Swiss chard would also be excellent additions, providing a slightly earthier flavor and more robust texture. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics will give it a wonderful kick. For a creamier finish, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half stirred in at the very end will transform it into an even more decadent experience. You could also experiment with different types of tortellini – perhaps a mushroom or butternut squash filled variety – to lean even further into those autumnal flavors. Roasting some cubes of butternut squash or pumpkin and adding them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking would also infuse it with even more seasonal sweetness and texture, creating a truly unforgettable twist on an already fantastic dish.

So, now it’s your turn! I’ve shared my love for this recipe, and I truly hope you’re inspired to bring the warmth and incredible flavor of this soup into your own kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, especially a dish that brings so much comfort and joy. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own; experiment with the variations, or stick to the original – either way, you’re in for a treat. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage! Once you’ve whipped up your batch, please come back and tell me all about it. Share your photos, your triumphs, any clever twists you added, or even just how much you and your loved ones enjoyed it. Your feedback means the world to me, and I absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!