As the crisp autumn air begins to weave its way into our lives, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of comfort to warm our spirits. Picture this: the rich aroma of savory Italian sausage sizzling in a pan, mingling with the sweet scent of roasted butternut squash and fragrant garlic. My kitchen transformed into a cozy haven, evoking the memories of family dinners gathered around the table. This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together, filling your home with warmth and laughter.
What I love most about this recipe is its effortless charm—it combines tender cheese tortellini, vibrant autumn vegetables, and a broth that wraps around you like a comforting hug. It’s well balanced, hearty, and perfect for those chilly evenings when fast food just won’t cut it. Join me in making this delectable soup that takes little time to prepare, yet delivers on flavor and nostalgia, making every bowl feel like a celebration of fall. Ready to savor a taste of autumn? Let’s get cooking!
Why Love This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Cozy, inviting flavors dance together in this soup, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings.
- Hearty Goodness: With savory sausage and comforting tortellini, it delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings!
- Autumnal Vibrance: The mix of butternut squash and spinach adds both color and nutrition, elevating traditional comfort food.
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Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress and warm hearts.
Indulge in a bowl of warmth that celebrates the essence of fall and transforms chilly nights into cherished moments!
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Ingredients
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For the Soup Base
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Italian Sausage – Provides savory flavor and hearty protein; can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
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Olive Oil – Used for sautéing ingredients and adding healthy fat; can replace with vegetable oil for a neutral flavor.
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Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base; shallots can be an alternative for a milder taste.
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Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile; fresh minced garlic is preferred over powdered for stronger flavor.
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Carrots – Contributes sweetness and color; peas can be used for a different texture.
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Butternut Squash – Adds sweetness and creaminess; sweet potatoes can serve as an alternative.
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Chicken Broth – The base of the soup providing depth; vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
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For the Tortellini
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Cheese Tortellini – Offers chewy texture and richness; can use gluten-free tortellini if needed.
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For the Greens
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Baby Spinach – Adds nutrition and a pop of color; kale can be used for a sturdier green option.
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For the Seasoning
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Dried Thyme – Infuses earthy herbal notes; fresh thyme can be substituted for a more vibrant flavor.
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Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste; adjust based on dietary needs.
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For Garnishing
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Grated Parmesan Cheese – For garnish and added umami; nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
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Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash; sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, roughly 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite.
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Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for 1-2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with grated Parmesan cheese, inviting family and friends to enjoy the warmth together.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
To create a memorable meal that perfectly complements the comforting warmth of this soup, consider these delicious pairings.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: This golden, crispy delight is perfect for dipping, soaking up every bit of the rich broth. The garlic adds a bold flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the savory soup.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Toss in seasonal ingredients like apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized Brussels sprouts bring crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the soup’s creaminess, making each bite a delight.
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Parmesan Crisps: Light and cheesy, these crisps offer a salty crunch that enhances the soup’s taste while adding an elegant touch to your meal. Serve them on the side or as a topping!
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Autumn Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm, spiced apple treat brings sweetness and warmth to complete your fall-themed dinner. The comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg echo the soup’s cozy vibes.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass brings out the richness of the sausage and tortellini while refreshing your palate between bites, creating a wonderfully balanced dining experience.
Embrace the flavors of fall with these delightful accompaniments, ensuring that each spoonful warms your heart and fills your home with comfort.
Expert Tips for Making Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
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Perfect Tortellini: Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure the tortellini is tender but not mushy; they should have a nice bite.
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Sauté with Care: Avoid overcrowding the pan while sautéing the sausage and vegetables; this helps achieve that beautiful browning and prevents steaming.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine after browning the sausage; let it reduce before adding the broth.
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Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand; just ensure they cook down to be tender and delicious in the broth.
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Storing Right: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container; this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Variations & Substitutions for Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this soup to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
- Turkey Sausage: Swap out Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to lighten up the dish while keeping all the flavors intact.
- Vegetable Oil: Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for sautéing if you prefer a more neutral flavor in your cooking.
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different, sweeter twist that still celebrates autumn flavors.
- Spinach Play: Toss in kale instead of baby spinach for a heartier green that offers a delightful texture and nutrition.
- Broth Choice: Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing taste.
- Garlic Bomb: Increase the garlic for a robust taste, especially if you love the aromatic punch that comes from fresh minced garlic.
- Get Cheesy: For a creamier texture, stir in some cream cheese or half-and-half just before serving; it’ll add richness to the broth.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat in their cozy comfort food!
Experiment with these swaps and twists to make this comforting soup your own while embracing the flavors of autumn!
How to Store and Freeze Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
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Fridge: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
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Serving Tip: If you’ve added cheese before freezing, consider adding fresh Parmesan just before serving for an extra burst of flavor in your Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage.
Make Ahead Options
These Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop and sauté all your vegetables, and cook the sausage up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. This way, all the flavors meld beautifully without compromising quality. Additionally, you can prepare the broth and tortellini separately, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To finish, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a pot over medium heat, stir in the cheese tortellini, and let everything heat through to achieve just as delicious results as when freshly made. Enjoy a comforting meal on busy weeknights with minimal effort!
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe butternut squash for this soup?
When selecting butternut squash, look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a matte skin. Avoid any that have dark spots or soft areas. A good squash will have a uniform beige color and should feel solid when you tap it.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep it covered and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen it up.
Can I freeze the Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, ensuring to leave about an inch of headspace for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of broth while reheating will help restore the soup’s creamy texture.
What can I do if my tortellini gets mushy during cooking?
If your tortellini becomes mushy, it may have been overcooked. To prevent this in the future, make sure to follow the package instructions closely and test for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends. Remember, they should be tender but still have a nice bite (al dente).
Is this soup suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is versatile. You can easily substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, use gluten-free tortellini, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Always check the labels on any packaged ingredients for allergens if needed.
How can I enhance the flavors in this soup?
For an extra flavor boost, after browning the sausage, add a splash of white wine and let it simmer for a minute or two until reduced. You can also incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley or basil just before serving for added freshness.
Cozy Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage for Chilly Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash; sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, roughly 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite.
- Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for 1-2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with grated Parmesan cheese, inviting family and friends to enjoy the warmth together.