If you’re looking for a soul-warming dinner that ticks all the boxes—hearty, flavorful, and quick—then you’re in for a treat with this Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup. Picture cozy bowls brimming with savory Italian sausage, sweet butternut squash, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a swirl of spinach, all floating in a garlicky, tomato-flecked broth. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table—even on the busiest weeknights. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup is delightfully simple to prepare, thanks to a thoughtfully chosen list of ingredients. Each one adds its own signature to the final dish—from the sweet richness of squash to the zesty kick of Italian sausage—creating layers of flavor and texture in every spoonful.
- Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor; choose mild or hot to match your spice preference.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich base for sautéing and enhances overall depth.
- Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and builds a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with classic warmth and irresistible aroma.
- Butternut squash: Offers tender bites and a subtle sweetness that balances the sausage.
- Chicken broth: Supplies a savory backbone to unify all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Brightens up the broth and adds a tangy balance.
- Italian seasoning: Lends classic herbiness for that quintessential Italian flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little extra kick.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and tying everything together.
- Cheese tortellini: The centerpiece of this soup—soft, cheesy pillows that make each bowl extra satisfying.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the soup for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Heavy cream (optional): Stir in for a velvety, creamier finish that feels extra indulgent.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: The perfect final touch for salty, nutty richness at serving.
How to Make
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Let it get nice and brown for the best flavor—this step gives your Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup a hearty, savory depth. If there’s excess grease, scoop it out to keep things light.
Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic
Next up, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the sausage. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until the onions go soft and translucent and the garlic starts to smell utterly irresistible. This aromatic base lays the groundwork for the entire soup.
Step 3: Simmer the Veggies and Broth
Stir in your butternut squash, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Crank up the heat and bring it all to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Let everything bubble away for about 20 minutes—just until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Now comes the magic: drop in the cheese tortellini. Simmer according to the package directions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes for perfectly cooked, pillowy pasta. Be gentle, so the tortellini don’t break apart!
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach & Finish
Stir in the fresh spinach until it just wilts into the hot soup—a minute or two is plenty. If you love a creamy finish, this is the moment to splash in your heavy cream. Give everything a good stir and take a taste to check the seasoning. Adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve it Up!
Ladle your Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup into cozy bowls and finish with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan. It’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve
Garnishes
The perfect bowl deserves a final flourish! Freshly grated Parmesan is a must, but a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds even more color and fragrance. For extra heat, offer a pinch of red pepper flakes on the side. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can make it feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup is practically a meal on its own, but it absolutely shines alongside a crusty baguette or warm, buttered garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness and brings a little freshness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Dole out your Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all those gorgeous colors. For an elegant twist at dinner parties, serve it in mini mugs or small bowls as a comforting appetizer alongside toasted crostini. Feeling rustic? Try ladling it into bread bowls—total crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible!
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup base (without the tortellini or spinach) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat, add in fresh tortellini and spinach, and cook until just done. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
Reheating
Reheat Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth before reheating to bring back its perfect texture. Avoid boiling to keep the tortellini intact.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter option and still packs plenty of flavor. For vegetarians, use plant-based sausage or simply skip the meat and add extra veggies for a satisfying soup.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash myself?
If you’re short on time, look for pre-cubed butternut squash in the produce section. But if you’re peeling and chopping it yourself, make sure to use a sharp veggie peeler—a little effort goes a long way in taste!
Will frozen tortellini work in Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup?
Yes, frozen tortellini works beautifully. No need to thaw beforehand—just add a minute or two to the cooking time and check for doneness before serving.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free variation, omit the heavy cream and use dairy-free tortellini if available. Add extra vegetables or beans for fullness, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil instead of Parmesan.
What can I substitute for spinach?
Kale, chard, or even arugula are great substitutes for spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir them in to wilt at the end for a uniquely delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup is the answer. Each bowl is a celebration of cozy nights and simple joys—and I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to return to this recipe all season long. Grab your favorite soup pot and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A cozy, hearty soup made with Italian sausage, tender butternut squash, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach — the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
- 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage
Olive Oil:
- 1 tbsp
Onion Mixture:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Butternut Squash:
- 4 cups, peeled & cubed
Broth & Tomatoes:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Tortellini & Spinach:
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Optional:
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Cook Italian sausage in olive oil until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Onion Mix: Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add Squash & Broth: Stir in butternut squash, chicken broth, tomatoes, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer until squash is tender.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini, cook as per package instructions.
- Add Spinach & Cream: Stir in spinach, add heavy cream for creaminess if desired.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste, adjust seasonings, serve topped with Parmesan.
Notes
- For meal prep: Cook base ahead, add tortellini fresh before serving.
- Swap spinach for kale if preferred.
- For lighter version: Use turkey sausage, omit heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
