Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Cozy Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe: Warm Hug in a Bowl

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of comfort as this butternut sausage tortellini soup warms chilly evenings.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly in a delightful culinary dance.

Robust Italian sausage mingles with creamy butternut squash, creating a harmonious base.

Tender tortellini adds a playful texture that dances through each spoonful.

Aromatic herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this soup from simple to spectacular.

Packed with nutrition and bursting with hearty goodness, this recipe promises to become a seasonal favorite.

Grab a ladle and savor every soul-warming bite.

Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup – Cooking Made Clear

  • Brown Delicious Sausage

Heat a large pot and crumble sausage until perfectly golden and crispy, breaking it into tiny pieces. Drain extra fat if needed.

  • Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the pot and dance them around until they turn soft and fragrant. Quickly add minced garlic and stir for a quick moment.

  • Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth, diced butternut squash, tomatoes, and sprinkle in herbs like basil and oregano. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Let everything bubble and simmer until squash becomes tender and inviting.

  • Introduce Tortellini

Drop in plump tortellini and let them swim and cook until they’re perfectly tender, following package guidance.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves and watch them wilt. Swirl in rich cream and shower with Parmesan cheese. Warm everything together softly without boiling. Taste and adjust seasonings for a final flavor explosion.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.

How to Balance the Butternut and Sausage in This Soup

  • Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different autumn twist.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the soup completely plant-based.
  • Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that complements the sausage.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – just store without the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent mushy noodles.

Serve Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup with Crunchy Sides

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch.
  • Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add fresh, zesty notes to the meal.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the soup's robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a light Pinot Noir that won't overpower the delicate butternut and sausage combination.
  • Garnish Galore: Top with extra freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley to enhance visual appeal and add layers of flavor and texture.

Preserve Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup for Round Two

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 34 days.
  • Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it maintains quality for up to 3 months without losing flavor intensity.
  • Warm refrigerated soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture. Add small splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Keep tortellini separate from soup base when storing to prevent pasta from becoming mushy, mixing components just before serving for best taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Sausage: Provides robust, hearty flavor and meaty texture; choose Italian-style for extra zest.
For Soup Liquid and Vegetables:
  • Chicken Broth, Canned Tomatoes: Creates rich, layered base with depth of flavor; low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Butternut Squash: Adds creamy sweetness and nutritional boost; select firm squash with smooth, uniform color.
For Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:
  • Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational aromatic profile; fresh garlic delivers more intense taste.
  • Dried Basil, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces Mediterranean-inspired herbal and spicy notes; store herbs in cool, dark place.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall taste; use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.
For Pasta and Creaminess:
  • Cheese Tortellini: Brings comforting, filling element; refrigerated varieties offer better texture.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety finish; freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother.
For Nutritional Boost:
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrient density; baby spinach wilts faster and tastes more tender.

Tools for Prepping Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Smoothly

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking sausage and simmering soup with deep flavor.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Cutting board: Needed for prepping vegetables and herbs.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps add precise amounts of broth, spices, and cream.
Print
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Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty butternut sausage tortellini soup marries rustic Italian flavors with comforting winter warmth. Rich, creamy broth and savory sausage will transport you to a cozy kitchen in Tuscany.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 3 cups butternut squash, diced (½-inch cubes)
  • 9 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Heat a large soup pot over medium flame and brown the sausage, breaking it down into crumbly pieces while eliminating excess fat.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Introduce diced onions and sauté until translucent, then incorporate minced garlic and briefly toast to release its fragrant essence.
  3. Liquid and Seasoning Integration: Combine butternut squash, chicken broth, tomatoes, and herb blend (basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) into the pot. Elevate to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash reaches tender consistency.
  4. Pasta and Green Incorporation: Fold in tortellini and cook according to package timing, then gently introduce spinach and allow it to wilt seamlessly into the soup’s landscape.
  5. Creamy Finalization: Stream in cream and Parmesan, stirring carefully to maintain a smooth texture. Warm gently without reaching a boil, adjusting seasonings to personal preference. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Ensure meat is thoroughly broken down and excess fat is drained to prevent greasy soup texture.
  • Cook butternut squash until fork-tender but not mushy, maintaining slight firmness for ideal soup consistency.
  • Add cream off direct heat and avoid boiling to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth, silky finish.
  • Cook tortellini precisely according to package instructions to prevent overcooking and maintain pasta’s ideal al dente texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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