Name: Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups diced butternut squash (½-inch cubes); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt, to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 9 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen); 2 cups chopped spinach or kale; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting one-pot meal packed with sweet roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy broth. It’s a soul-warming dish that’s perfect for fall and winter or whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and filling. The natural sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with the bold, savory flavor of sausage and the soft, cheesy bites of tortellini. It’s easy to make, comes together in under an hour, and is family-friendly. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly weeknight or for a casual dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Carrots, sliced
Chicken broth
Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Heavy cream
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme or sage (optional, for flavor)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
Add cubed butternut squash and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and add thyme or sage if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly for a creamy base, leaving some texture. Alternatively, blend part of the soup in a blender and return to the pot.
Stir in the browned sausage and tortellini. Simmer until tortellini is cooked through, about 4–6 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Add spinach or kale, if using, and cook until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and use vegetable broth; add white beans for protein.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
No Cream Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula.
Cheese Upgrade: Stir in extra Parmesan or use a mix of cheeses for a richer broth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. If using fresh tortellini, note that it may absorb some broth during storage—add more liquid when reheating. Freezing is not recommended due to the tortellini and cream, but the base (without pasta or cream) can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?

Yes, store-bought cubed squash is a great time-saver and works perfectly.

What kind of sausage is best?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the base and add the tortellini and cream when reheating for best texture.

Is this soup very thick?

It’s creamy and hearty, but you can adjust the consistency by blending more or less and adding extra broth.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just add it directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini and check labels on sausage and broth.

Can I blend the soup completely smooth?

Yes, if you prefer a smooth soup base, fully blend the butternut mixture before adding sausage and tortellini.

What’s a good side dish for this soup?

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad.

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Yes, canned or fresh pumpkin can be used, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Very much so—kids love the creamy texture, sausage, and cheesy tortellini.

Conclusion

Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for fall and winter, this one-pot wonder brings together sweet squash, savory sausage, and cheesy pasta for a bowl that’s nourishing, flavorful, and irresistibly cozy. Add it to your cold-weather rotation—you’ll be glad you did.

Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup