Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe for Fall

On chilly autumn evenings, a warm bowl of butternut squash sausage tortellini soup can instantly comfort the soul.

This hearty recipe blends rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Robust Italian sausage mingles with sweet roasted butternut squash, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Tender cheese tortellini adds a delightful bite to this creamy, rustic soup.

Aromatic herbs and a touch of garlic elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor and warmth.

Prepare to savor a soup that promises to become your new cold-weather favorite.

Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

• Packed with hearty sausage, creamy butternut squash, and cheesy tortellini, this soup delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Rich, velvety texture and blend of herbs like thyme and sage create a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra spice, different tortellini fillings, or garnishing with fresh herbs to match your taste preferences.

Everything You Need for Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Sausage: A hearty and flavorful meat that adds depth and richness to the soup.

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy autumn vegetable that provides a smooth texture and warm flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that serves as the soup's primary cooking liquid and flavor enhancer.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop initial flavors.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy component that adds creaminess and smooth texture to the soup.

• Thyme, Sage: Classic fall herbs that complement the butternut squash and sausage with earthy undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spice that introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the soup.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds substance and makes the soup more filling.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that provides a fresh, bright note to the finished soup.

Tools and Equipment for Cozy Soup Nights

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, perfect for sautéing and simmering ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Hand Blender or Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the finished soup.

Stepwise Guide to Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, breaking it into small pieces as it sizzles.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Toss in diced onion and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a rolling boil.

• Butternut squash
• Fresh thyme
• Sage leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Silky Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a smooth, creamy consistency.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches and blend until perfectly silky.

Step 5: Finish With Luxurious Touches

Stir in heavy cream and tortellini.

Cook until the pasta becomes tender and plump, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall.

Soup-Making Tips for Fall Comfort Food

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper flavor, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Cut butternut squash into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and faster tender texture.
• Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain smooth, silky soup texture.
• Add tortellini just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Fresh thyme and sage elevate the soup's flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren't available.

Soup Variations for Different Flavors

• Vegetarian Butternut Squash Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, lactose-free soup that still provides creamy richness.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap sage for cilantro to create a southwestern-inspired flavor profile with extra heat.

Best Ways to Serve Sausage Tortellini Soup

• Comfort Corner: Pair this hearty soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Cozy Companion Plate: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the soup's savory profile with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir for a complete autumn dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining soup into a creamy pasta sauce by adding extra cream and tossing with additional tortellini or your favorite pasta shape.

How to Store Leftover Butternut Squash Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as they may become mushy.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup is hot and tortellini are warmed through.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this soup flavorful?

The combination of sausage, butternut squash, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes creates a rich, complex flavor profile. The heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, while the tortellini provides hearty substance to the soup.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, this soup offers a great balance of protein from the sausage, vegetables from the butternut squash, and carbohydrates from the tortellini. The herbs and spices also provide additional nutritional benefits and boost the overall flavor.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the depth of flavor while keeping the recipe meat-free.