Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and indulgent cheese-filled tortellini.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add Broth and Squash:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the butternut squash, thyme, sage, and crushed red pepper flakes. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the butternut squash is tender.
Blend the Soup:
Once the squash is tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, blending until smooth.
Add Cream and Tortellini:
Stir in the heavy cream and cheese tortellini. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and fully cooked.
Season and Garnish:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and substitute the tortellini with a dairy-free pasta option.
- Storage Tip: For best results when freezing, omit the tortellini and add it freshly cooked during reheating to preserve its texture.
- Texture Customization: Blend the soup fully for a silky smooth texture or leave some chunks for a more rustic feel.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder soup, omit the flakes entirely.
- Ingredient Swaps: Experiment with turkey sausage for a leaner option or add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.