Name: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 (10 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Hey y’all! When the fall air gets crisp and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of piping hot soup to warm your soul. This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe combines cheesy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and loads of hearty veggies in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights, comforting family dinners, or a cozy weekend meal with friends. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Hearty and filling, making it an ideal main course for chilly nights.
Ready in about 45 minutes—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Loaded with wholesome veggies and bold, comforting flavors.
Easily customizable with your favorite greens or sausage variety.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium zucchini, diced
6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz/410g) can diced tomatoes, with juice
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (9 oz/255g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions: How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until veggies start to soften.
Add minced garlic and zucchini; cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in the cooked sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, thyme, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Greens

Gently stir in the tortellini and greens. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until tortellini are tender and floating.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

If you like a thicker soup, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.
For a leaner soup, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork.
Check out more about the benefits of tortellini and stuffed pastas from Bon Appétit.

Variations on Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Vegetarian: Omit the sausage, swap for vegetarian sausage or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth.
Creamy Version: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a silkier broth.
Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Equipment Needed for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tortellini may soak up some broth, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot (about 3-4 minutes). For longer storage, freeze soup (without the tortellini) for up to 2 months, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Learn how to freeze soups safely.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Serve with crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette for dipping.
Add a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Pair with a glass of Chianti or a crisp apple cider for a truly autumnal meal.

Pro Tips for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Browning the sausage deeply adds a layer of delicious, savory flavor.
Add tortellini just before serving to keep them perfectly tender—not mushy.
For extra nutrition, stir in a can of drained white beans or chickpeas with the broth. Chickpea health benefits.

FAQ: Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Can I use frozen tortellini?: Yes! Just add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time when simmering in the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Absolutely. Prepare the soup without adding tortellini, then add them freshly cooked right before serving for best texture.
What kind of sausage works best?: Both mild and spicy Italian sausage taste great—choose your favorite or go for chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe