The Ultimate Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage: A Cozy Fall Comfort Bowl

When the leaves start to turn golden and there’s that familiar crisp in the air, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage to warm your soul. This hearty, one-pot wonder combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant fall vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful.

Picture this: you walk through your front door after a long day, and the aroma of simmering herbs, caramelized onions, and perfectly seasoned sausage greets you like a warm hug. This isn’t just soup – it’s pure comfort in a bowl, bringing together the robust flavors of butternut squash, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs that make your kitchen feel like the heart of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This autumn tortellini soup strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that feeds the whole family without breaking a sweat. The beauty lies in its simplicity – while the ingredient list might look impressive, it’s truly a one-pot wonder that practically cooks itself.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms humble pantry staples and seasonal vegetables into something extraordinary. The Italian sausage adds depth and richness, while the butternut squash brings natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory broth. Each bite delivers tender tortellini, nutritious vegetables, and that satisfying warmth that only comes from a bowl of homemade soup. Discover more cozy comfort recipes here to keep your autumn menu exciting and delicious.

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Ingredients List

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and it’s nicely caramelized.

Step 2: Build the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot with the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The combination should smell absolutely divine at this point.

Step 3: Add Vegetables
Incorporate the carrots, celery, and butternut squash into the pot. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.

Step 4: Create the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Add Tortellini
Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, typically 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 6: Finish with Greens
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Exact Timing to make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 6 generous portions

This timeline makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and quick. The entire process flows smoothly from start to finish, with minimal hands-on time required.

Nutritional Information

This nutritional profile shows that one serving provides a substantial amount of protein and essential vitamins, particularly vitamin A from the butternut squash and spinach. The soup delivers a balanced macro profile while staying within reasonable calorie limits for a main dish.

Healthier Alternatives

Making these modifications to your Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage can significantly improve its nutritional profile without sacrificing the comforting flavors that make this dish so appealing. These swaps work particularly well for those managing dietary restrictions or seeking lighter meal options.

After perfecting this savory soup, explore more sweet treat recipes here to complete your autumn menu with delightful desserts that capture the season’s best flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Crusty Bread
Serve your Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage alongside warm, crusty sourdough or artisan bread for dipping. The bread helps soak up the flavorful broth and makes the meal more filling. Consider garlic bread or focaccia for an extra layer of Italian-inspired flavor.

Create a Complete Autumn Spread
Transform this soup into the centerpiece of a cozy fall dinner by adding a simple arugula salad with pear slices and walnuts. The crisp, slightly bitter greens provide a perfect contrast to the rich, hearty soup.

Make it a Meal Prep Champion
This soup portions beautifully for meal prep containers. Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli to create balanced, ready-to-heat meals for busy weekdays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Tortellini
The biggest mistake when making Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is adding the tortellini too early or cooking it too long. Fresh tortellini only needs 3-4 minutes in the simmering broth. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and can break apart, ruining the soup’s texture.

Skipping the Sausage Browning Step
Don’t rush the sausage browning process. Taking time to properly caramelize the meat creates a flavorful foundation that enhances the entire soup. This step builds depth that you simply can’t achieve by just simmering raw sausage in broth.

Adding Spinach Too Early
Fresh spinach wilts quickly and can become slimy if overcooked. Always add it at the very end, off the heat, allowing the residual warmth to gently wilt the leaves while maintaining their vibrant color and texture.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Keep in mind that the tortellini will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating. The soup actually develops even richer flavors after a day or two.

Freezer Considerations
While the soup base freezes well for up to 3 months, it’s best to freeze it before adding the tortellini. Cooked pasta doesn’t freeze well and becomes mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze the sausage and vegetable base, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Reheating Guidelines
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add additional broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling during reheating to prevent the tortellini from breaking apart or becoming overcooked.

FAQs

Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage

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• Author: jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cozy up with this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage – a hearty one-pot meal filled with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fall vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for recipes with ground sausage, recipes for dinner, and fall dinner recipes fans who love warm, comforting meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 9 oz (250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, optional for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned and fully cooked.
2. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, 3–4 minutes, until tender but slightly firm.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped spinach to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving. This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or cozy autumn leftovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: autumn tortellini soup, recipes for dinner, recipes with sausage, fall dinner recipes, recipes soup