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Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Hey y'all! As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup. This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a delicious, cozy dinner that's perfect for cool nights, family meals, or casual get-togethers. Packed with savory sausage, pillowy tortellini, and sweet autumn veggies, it's a hug in a bowl. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • Rich and hearty flavors from Italian sausage and tender tortellini.
  • Loaded with nutritious autumn veggies for extra color and taste.
  • One-pot meal with minimal cleanup—ideal for busy nights!
  • Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Easily customizable for dietary preferences and easy swaps.

Ingredients for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 9 oz (250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh basil or parsley, optional garnish

How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the veggies are softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Brothy Base

  1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth.
  2. Stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tortellini and Finish

  1. Add tortellini to the soup and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini are tender and cooked through.
  2. Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes, just until wilted.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm!

Notes for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • If using frozen tortellini, add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end. Learn more about making creamy soups without cream.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and sausage (find details at Celiac.org).
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Variations on Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • Vegetarian: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  • Extra Veggie: Add chopped kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrients and flavor.

Required Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Ladle

Storage Instructions for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • Let soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months (note: tortellini may soften).
  • Reheat gently over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Serve with crusty bread or homemade garlic knots for dunking.
  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
  • Pair with a glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling apple cider.

Pro Tips for the Best Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor and depth.
  • Use refrigerated or fresh tortellini for the best texture (find more on choosing pasta at Bon Appétit).
  • Don’t overcook the tortellini; add it right before serving to keep it al dente.

FAQ: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Can I use chicken sausage or turkey sausage instead?
Absolutely! Both make delicious and lighter alternatives to traditional Italian sausage.
Can I make this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage ahead of time?
Yes! Make the base ahead and add tortellini and spinach when reheating for the freshest results.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Choose dairy-free tortellini and skip the Parmesan, or use a plant-based parmesan substitute.
★★★★★ 4.80 from 192 ratings

Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

yield: 6 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 30 mins
total: 45 mins
A cozy and hearty soup perfect for autumn, featuring savory Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and seasonal vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

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
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary.
  2. 2
    Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. 3
    Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  4. 4
    Add cheese tortellini to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, until tortellini are tender.
  5. 5
    Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. 6
    Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410cal
Protein: 20 gg
Fat: 22 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 36 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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