Autumn Tortellini with Sausage

This rustic tortellini and sausage soup combines tender pasta pillows with savory Italian sausage in a broth that captures the essence of comfort food. Its rich, hearty character makes it perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something substantial yet soothing.

I first made this soup on a particularly dreary autumn Sunday, and it has since become my go to comfort meal. The way the cheese filled tortellini soaks up the savory broth while the sausage adds just the right amount of richness makes this a recipe my family requests constantly throughout the colder months.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage brings essential savory flavor and protein use mild or spicy according to your preference
• Olive oil helps bloom the flavors of the aromatics and prevents sticking
• Yellow onion forms the flavor foundation of this soup choose firm onions with no soft spots
• Garlic adds aromatic complexity fresh cloves will provide the most vibrant flavor
• Carrots provide natural sweetness and beautiful color look for firm bright orange specimens
• Celery adds subtle herbaceous notes and traditional soup base flavor
• Butternut squash delivers natural sweetness and hearty texture choose one with a beige exterior and no green lines
• Diced tomatoes contribute acidity and umami notes for balance
• Chicken broth forms the backbone of the soup homemade provides the best flavor but quality store bought works well
• Dried herbs oregano and thyme infuse the broth with classic Italian flavors
• Cheese tortellini offers pillowy pasta pockets of flavor refrigerated varieties cook fastest but frozen work too
• Baby spinach adds color nutrition and fresh flavor choose bright green unwilted leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the sausage

Cook Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat until deeply browned with crispy edges about 5 to 6 minutes. Break it into bite sized chunks while cooking for the perfect texture. This crucial first step builds the flavor foundation for the entire soup.

Sauté the aromatics and vegetables

Add onion garlic carrots celery and butternut squash to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook until vegetables begin to soften about 6 to 8 minutes. The vegetables should become slightly translucent but not brown. This layering of flavors ensures every spoonful has dimension.

Create the broth base

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth then add dried herbs salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Allow to cook for 15 minutes uncovered letting the flavors meld and the vegetables fully soften. The broth will reduce slightly becoming more concentrated in flavor.

Add tortellini and finish

Add the fresh tortellini to the simmering broth and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Stir in baby spinach during the final two minutes of cooking just until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasonings remembering that the Parmesan added at serving will add saltiness.

Serve with garnishes

Ladle the steaming soup into warmed bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and if desired fresh herbs like basil or parsley. The cheese will melt slightly into the hot broth creating delicious threads of flavor.

Bookmark

The butternut squash might seem like an unusual addition to an Italian inspired soup but it adds the most wonderful natural sweetness that balances the savory sausage perfectly. My grandmother used to add a secret pinch of nutmeg to her tortellini soups which I sometimes include when I want to evoke those childhood Sunday dinners at her table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers once completely cooled. When reheating be gentle to avoid breaking up the delicate tortellini. I find the flavor actually improves after a day as the ingredients have time to meld together creating an even more harmonious taste profile. For longer storage freeze portions without the tortellini adding fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. No butternut squash? Sweet potatoes make an excellent substitute. Kale can replace spinach for a heartier green that holds up longer in the broth. Chicken sausage creates a lighter version while ground turkey with Italian seasonings works for a lower fat alternative. Vegetable broth can replace chicken for a different flavor profile. For a dairy free version simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant based alternative and check that your tortellini is dairy free.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the richness. For entertaining I often serve this soup as a first course before a main of roasted chicken or grilled fish. A glass of medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Make the soup without adding the tortellini and spinach. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the tortellini, cook until tender, then stir in the spinach.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

For best results, freeze the soup base without the tortellini and spinach. Pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup, bring to a simmer, add fresh tortellini and spinach.

→ What can I substitute for butternut squash?

Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or acorn squash make excellent substitutes with similar cooking times and flavor profiles. For a faster option, use frozen butternut squash cubes.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or add extra vegetables like mushrooms for umami flavor. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and ensure your tortellini is vegetarian.

→ What sides pair well with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing complement this hearty soup perfectly. For a complete meal, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like orecchiette, shells, or farfalle work well as substitutes for tortellini. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions for your chosen pasta.