There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup. This rich, hearty dish perfectly balances the natural sweetness of butternut squash, the savory flavor of Italian sausage, and the indulgent creaminess of cheese-filled tortellini.

Beyond being delicious, this soup is also a celebration of wholesome ingredients. The butternut squash, a fall favorite, is packed with essential vitamins and a touch of sweetness that melds beautifully with aromatic sage and thyme. Adding the richness of heavy cream and the chewiness of cheese tortellini makes this dish a complete meal.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this soup is both satisfying and simple to make. Curious about the versatile uses of butternut squash? Discover its many health benefits here. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish irresistible!

Ingredients Breakdown

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup is thoughtfully selected to deliver a symphony of flavors:

Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing, olive oil helps build the flavor base.
Italian Sausage: Whether sweet or spicy, Italian sausage adds depth and a touch of protein to this soup. Learn more about its culinary importance here.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are the backbone of many soups, providing a fragrant, savory base.
Butternut Squash: Star of the dish! Its creamy texture and natural sweetness pair perfectly with the robust sausage. Check out other ways to use this powerhouse ingredient here.
Chicken Broth: This rich, savory liquid ties the flavors together and provides a hearty consistency.
Thyme, Sage, and Red Pepper Flakes: A trio of aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the soup’s profile.
Heavy Cream: Brings the indulgent, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting.
Cheese Tortellini: Filling and flavorful, tortellini takes this soup to the next level.

Optional Add-ins

For a unique twist, consider adding:

Fresh spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
Mushrooms to introduce an earthy flavor.
Turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option.

This combination of ingredients ensures every bite is a delicious blend of textures and flavors.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Insights

One of the standout aspects of Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup is how it delivers indulgence alongside health benefits. Key ingredients like butternut squash and aromatic herbs pack in nutrients while balancing the dish’s richness.

Butternut Squash: A fall superfood, it’s high in vitamin A, which promotes eye health, and vitamin C, a natural immunity booster. Its natural sweetness reduces the need for additional sugars, making the dish wholesome yet flavorful.
Italian Sausage: Rich in protein and essential fats, sausage helps keep you feeling full. Opt for lean sausage options to reduce saturated fat content.
Heavy Cream Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lower-calorie option without sacrificing creaminess.

Pairing these ingredients with herbs like thyme and sage not only enhances flavor but also adds an antioxidant boost. Curious about how thyme can elevate both flavor and health benefits? Check it out here.

Nutritional Summary:

Calories: ~350 per serving (varies with portion size).
Protein: High, thanks to sausage and tortellini.
Fiber: Abundant from butternut squash, helping with digestion.

This soup proves that indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand!

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Sausage

To start, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add Italian sausage (casings removed) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller crumbles as it cooks.

Cook the sausage thoroughly, allowing it to brown. This browning process develops a rich, savory flavor that serves as the foundation for the soup. If you’re unsure about the types of Italian sausage to use, explore some helpful tips here.

Pro Tips:

If the sausage releases a lot of grease, carefully drain some to avoid an overly oily soup.
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding more crushed red pepper flakes.

Once the sausage is fully cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leaving behind a bit of sausage grease in the pot enhances the next steps by infusing the flavors into the onions and garlic.

Sautéing the Vegetables

With the sausage removed, it’s time to build the aromatic base. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the leftover sausage grease. Stir occasionally over medium heat, allowing the onion to become translucent and the garlic to release its fragrance—this should take about 3 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Sautéing:

Avoid high heat to prevent burning the garlic, which can make the soup bitter.
If you need more oil, drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the pot.

This step is crucial for layering flavors. The onions and garlic soak up the essence of the sausage, creating a rich base that will enhance the butternut squash and spices in the next step.

If you’re a fan of garlic and its culinary versatility, you can read more about its uses and benefits here.

Once the aromatics are ready, you’ll notice the kitchen filling with a warm, inviting aroma. This signals that it’s time to incorporate the next set of ingredients, turning this flavor-packed base into a hearty soup. Up next: adding the broth and squash for the heart of the dish!

Adding Broth and Squash

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift any browned bits from the sausage and aromatics. This step intensifies the soup’s savory depth.

Next, stir in the butternut squash cubes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed in the broth. Add the dried thyme, ground sage, and crushed red pepper flakes. These herbs and spices enhance the soup’s earthy, aromatic profile while providing a subtle heat from the red pepper flakes.

Key Tips:

Make sure the squash pieces are uniformly cubed for consistent cooking.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

For additional inspiration on how to incorporate seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, explore similar recipes on Pinterest here.

Blending the Soup

Blending the soup is what gives it its signature creamy texture. Once the butternut squash is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. This creates a silky base that enhances the richness of the heavy cream and balances the savory sausage and tortellini.

Blending Tips:

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle the soup into a traditional blender in batches. Be sure to leave some space at the top and vent the lid to avoid pressure build-up from the hot liquid.
Prefer a chunkier texture? Blend only part of the soup and leave the rest unblended for a rustic finish.

Curious about how immersion blenders can simplify cooking? Check out their versatility here.

After blending, return the soup to the pot if using a traditional blender. At this stage, the soup will have a velvety, slightly thickened consistency. This is the perfect canvas for adding the final components: heavy cream and tortellini.

Blending transforms the soup into a creamy masterpiece while ensuring the flavors of the butternut squash and herbs are fully integrated. Let’s move on to the final steps of this comforting dish!

Adding Cream and Tortellini

Now that the soup is smooth and creamy, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a rich, velvety finish to the soup and deepens its luxurious texture. Next, carefully add the cheese tortellini, ensuring the pieces are submerged in the creamy base.

Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and fully cooked. Avoid boiling at this stage, as it can cause the cream to separate and the tortellini to overcook.

Tips for Perfect Tortellini:

For best results, use fresh or refrigerated tortellini. Frozen tortellini can be used, but cooking time will be slightly longer.
Experiment with other tortellini varieties, like spinach or chicken-filled options, for a twist.

If you’re curious about the origins of tortellini and its culinary significance, explore more here.

Once the tortellini are ready, the soup is nearly complete. All that’s left is seasoning and garnishing to taste. This step brings the entire dish together, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Let’s wrap things up with seasoning and garnish tips!

Season and Garnish

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that the Italian sausage and chicken broth may already add a good amount of saltiness, so start small and build up gradually.

For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the creamy base. Other garnish ideas include:

Grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of savory richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes for those who prefer a spicier kick.

Serving Tip:
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the flavorful broth. For beverage pairings, a light white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling cider works wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions

To serve Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup, ladle it into bowls while still warm. The creamy base, tender tortellini, and savory sausage create a hearty meal on their own, but thoughtful pairings can elevate the experience.

Perfect Pairings:

Rustic Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough or baguette to soak up the velvety broth. Garlic bread is another flavorful option.
Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Wine or Cider: Pair with a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a sparkling apple cider for a complementary flavor profile.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The soup base (without the tortellini) freezes well for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini during reheating to maintain texture.

For reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation of the cream.

These serving and storage suggestions ensure you can enjoy the soup fresh or as a convenient leftover meal. Ready to explore creative variations and customizations? Let’s dive into the next section!

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup is how versatile it is. Here are some creative ways to adapt the recipe to your preferences:

Dietary Variations:

Vegetarian: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free: Swap cheese tortellini for gluten-free pasta or gnocchi.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free option.

Flavor Enhancements:

Add a handful of spinach or kale during the final simmer for a boost of greens.
Stir in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
Top with crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup