Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves transform into shades of amber and crimson, I find myself eagerly reaching for recipes that celebrate the season. One standout in my autumn lineup is the Hearty Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage—an excellent comfort food that warms both the heart and the belly. This dish is brimming with flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a delightful mix of autumn vegetables that makes it a family favorite. It’s not just filling; it’s also a breeze to whip up after a long day, allowing you to savor every spoonful without the hassle. And what’s better? This soup not only nourishes but also brings everyone together for a cozy dining experience. Ready to discover how to create this delicious hug in a bowl? Let’s dive in! Why is this Tortellini Soup so beloved? Comforting, Warmth in a Bowl: This soup offers a delightful escape from chilly autumn nights, wrapping you in its cozy embrace. Hearty Ingredients: Filled with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender cheese tortellini, it’s a dish that satisfies hunger and warms with every bite. Family-Friendly: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults—spreading joy and comfort around the dinner table. Quick and Easy: Whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights! Flexible Recipe: You can easily customize it by adding seasonal veggies or beans for extra nutrition, appealing to varied tastes and preferences. Pair this delicious soup with a side of Cajun Potato Soup or a light salad for a complete meal that everyone will adore! Tortellini Soup with Sausage Ingredients • Dive into the rich, comforting flavors of this soul-soothing soup! For the Soup Base Italian Sausage – Adds richness and savory flavor; opt for bulk sausage for easy browning. Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; enhances flavor and prevents sticking, but can be swapped with vegetable oil if desired. Onion – Provides sweetness and depth; shallots work as a milder substitute. Garlic – Offers a warm aroma; fresh garlic performs best, while garlic powder can be used in a pinch. For the Veggies Carrots – Adds sweetness and texture; parsnips can be used for a different flavor. Butternut Squash – Brings sweetness and creaminess; sweet potatoes or pumpkin make excellent substitutes. Baby Spinach – Contributes color and nutrients; fresh or frozen kale can be a great alternative. For the Broth and Seasoning Chicken Broth – Forms the hearty base for the soup; vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option. Dried Thyme – Enhances the soup’s flavor with its herby notes; fresh thyme can replace dried, using three times the amount. Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste, adding just the right amount of flavor. For the Finish Cheese Tortellini – The star of the dish, ensuring filling satisfaction; swap with spinach tortellini for a tasty twist. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory finish when serving; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative. Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to embrace the joy of cooking and create a delicious Tortellini Soup with Sausage that warms your heart and home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tortellini Soup with Sausage Step 1: Sauté the Sausage In a large pot, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Once done, you may drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving a bit for flavor. Step 2: Add the Aromatics Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash into the pot. Stir the mixture and sauté for around 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their fragrant aromas. The onions should become translucent, creating a flavorful base for your Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Step 3: Introduce the Broth Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer—cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, infusing the broth with their delicious flavors. Step 4: Cook the Tortellini Stir the cheese tortellini into the simmering soup and allow it to cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot, as the tortellini should float to the top when they are tender and ready, providing a lovely texture to your hearty soup. Step 5: Add the Spinach Finally, gently fold in the handful of baby spinach and stir for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and brightens the soup. This not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the nutritional value. Taste and season with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Ladle the steaming Tortellini Soup with Sausage into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch creates a delightful salty finish that perfectly complements the hearty flavors of the soup. Enjoy your warm, comforting dish! Make Ahead Options These cozy Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage make-ahead tips are perfect for busy weeknights! You can brown the Italian sausage and sauté the vegetables (onions, garlic, carrots, and butternut squash) up to 24 hours in advance, letting the flavors meld in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container after cooling to maintain quality. You can also refrigerate the soup base (broth and cooked veggies) for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the soup, add in the tortellini, and cook until tender. Finish by stirring in the fresh spinach right before serving for that vibrant color and nutrition, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort! Tips for the Best Tortellini Soup Sauté the Sausage Well: Ensure that the Italian sausage is cooked thoroughly and browned for a richer flavor. Undercooked sausage can lead to an unappetizing texture. Chop Evenly: Consistent vegetable sizes promote even cooking, preventing some bits from being mushy while others remain crunchy. Quality Broth Matters: A high-quality chicken broth enhances the overall taste of your Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Homemade broth yields the best results! Add Spinach Last: To maintain its vibrant color and nutrients, add baby spinach just a couple of minutes before serving. Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed; it helps elevate all the flavors beautifully. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked tortellini can turn mushy and lose their delightful texture. Tortellini Soup with Sausage Variations Feel free to elevate your soup with some delightful twists that cater to your personal taste and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Swap the grated Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth; add in extra beans for protein and texture. Extra Veggies: Include seasonal vegetables like zucchini or kale for a nutritious boost that enhances flavor. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to bring heat and depth to your soup. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano alongside thyme for a new aromatic profile. Grain Variation: Toss in some cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and heartiness, making your soup even more filling. Creamy Twist: For a richer bowl, stir in a dollop of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. Legume-Laden: Stir in cannellini beans or chickpeas for an extra protein-packed option that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Don’t forget to check out the soothing Cajun Potato Soup for another heartwarming dish to enjoy this season! How to Store and Freeze Tortellini Soup with Sausage Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to preserve freshness. Freezer: Freeze portions of the tortellini soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove over medium heat. Add a little extra chicken broth if needed to restore the soup’s texture. Flavor Preservation: For best results, avoid freezing the soup with added spinach; instead, add fresh spinach during the reheating process for optimal freshness and flavor. What to Serve with Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, a wholesome meal beside this delightful soup can elevate your dining experience. Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, the crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup, making every bite comforting and enjoyable. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing crunch that brightens the meal. Savory Scones: Warm, cheesy scones provide a satisfying side that pairs well with the hearty soup, perfect for soaking up every delicious spoonful. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor and caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts delightfully enhance the savory notes of the soup, creating a well-rounded meal. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For a unique sweet touch, these muffins echo autumn’s flavors and offer a cozy finish to your hearty dinner. Apple Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider complements the flavors of the soup, adding a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements. Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe FAQs What kind of Italian sausage should I use? Absolutely! You can use bulk Italian sausage for easy browning, or remove the casings from sausage links. Look for a quality sausage that has a good balance of spices and flavor—it makes a world of difference. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey sausage is a great alternative! How long can I store leftovers? Very! Your Tortellini Soup with Sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to use an airtight container to keep it fresh and tasty. Let the soup cool down before sealing it up, as this helps to prevent excess moisture buildup. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can! Freeze portions of your soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just leave a little space at the top of the container because the liquid will expand as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. What should I do if my soup is too thick? Don’t worry! If you find your Tortellini Soup with Sausage is thicker than you’d like, simply add extra chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Reheat it gently over medium heat and stir well to combine. This way, you can enjoy the soup just the way you like it! Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can include additional beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and load up on your favorite veggies for a hearty, vegetarian version that still satisfies! Is it safe to reheat the soup multiple times? Great question! It’s best to reheat your Tortellini Soup with Sausage only once to maintain food safety. Repeated heating can lead to a loss of quality and make it less enjoyable. To avoid waste, consider portioning out what you’ll eat during each meal to keep the remaining soup fresh! Comforting Tortellini Soup with Sausage for Cozy Nights This Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting dish perfect for chilly nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 lb Italian Sausage Opt for bulk sausage for easy browning.1 tbsp Olive Oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil if desired.1 medium Onion Shallots work as a milder substitute.3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic performs best.For the Veggies2 medium Carrots Parsnips can be used for a different flavor.1 cup Butternut Squash Sweet potatoes or pumpkin make excellent substitutes.4 cups Baby Spinach Fresh or frozen kale can be a great alternative.For the Broth and Seasoning6 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.1 tbsp Dried Thyme Use three times the amount if using fresh thyme.to taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Finish2 cups Cheese Tortellini Swap with spinach tortellini for a tasty twist.1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative. Equipment Large pot Method Cooking InstructionsIn a large pot, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned.Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash. Stir and sauté for around 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes.Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes.Gently fold in the baby spinach and stir for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing each with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your warm dish! Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked spinach when reheating for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
