As I stirred the bubbling cauldron of Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup, the air filled with an irresistible aroma that felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This cozy dish, with its luscious blend of savory sausage and sweet butternut squash, is not just a recipe—it’s a culinary embrace meant for shared moments. Whether it’s a family gathering or a peaceful night in, this hearty soup offers unmatched comfort, perfect for anyone looking to trade fast food for a homemade delight. Plus, its creamy texture and easy preparation make it a go-to, adaptable to fit any dietary preference. So, are you ready to dive into a bowl of happiness? Why is this soup a must-try? Cozy Comfort: This Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup is the epitome of comfort food, wrapping you in warmth with each spoonful. Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet squash and savory sausage delivers a delightful punch of robust taste. Effortless Preparation: With straightforward instructions and adaptable ingredients, it’s ideal for cooks of all levels. Diet-Friendly Options: Easily transform it into a vegetarian dish by swapping sausage and cream. Perfect Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual nights in. If you’re looking for more comforting options, check out our One Pot Soup for another crowd-pleaser! Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base Olive Oil – Adds a rich flavor and provides fat for cooking. Use vegetable oil for a lighter option. Italian Sausage – Brings depth and protein; swap with turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier version. Onion – A fragrant base that enhances flavor; red or yellow onions work great. Garlic – Elevates the soup’s taste; fresh minced garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can save time. Chicken Broth – Forms the soup’s body; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian butternut squash sausage tortellini soup. Butternut Squash – Adds natural sweetness and creaminess; pre-cut squash simplifies prep time. Dried Thyme – Imparts an earthy flavor; fresh thyme can enhance the aroma even more. Ground Sage – Offers warm, herbaceous notes; feel free to skip if preferred. Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a gentle heat; adjust according to your taste or omit for a milder flavor. For the Creamy Element Heavy Cream – Contributes a luscious, creamy texture; coconut milk works well for a dairy-free option. For the Pasta Cheese Tortellini – Introduces a satisfying bite; consider whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired. For Seasoning and Garnish Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors; adjust to your palate. Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh touch for garnish; omit if unavailable. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Step 1: Heat the Oil In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes or until the sausage is browned and cooked through, releasing a savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Stir in 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves into the pot with the sausage. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, mixing well to combine the flavors. This step sets a fragrant base for your creamy butternut squash sausage tortellini soup. Step 3: Add the Broth and Squash Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Then incorporate 4 cups of diced butternut squash, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of ground sage, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Step 4: Blend the Soup Once the butternut squash is tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender. Blend until you achieve a velvety consistency that invites you to dive in, showcasing the vibrant color of your butternut squash sausage tortellini soup. Step 5: Stir in Cream and Tortellini Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 9 ounces of cheese tortellini. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through, absorbing the rich flavors of the soup. Step 6: Season and Serve Taste and season your creamy butternut squash sausage tortellini soup with salt and pepper to your preference. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and let the comforting aromas wrap around you like a cozy blanket! Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this recipe, adding your personal touch for an even more delightful experience! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to keep it creamy and rich without dairy. Protein Swap: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option, or try a veggie sausage for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. Pasta Variation: Change up the tortellini with your favorite pasta shape, like shells or spaghetti, for a fun twist. Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or parsley instead of thyme for a bright, refreshing flavor in your soup. Sweetness Enhancement: Roast the butternut squash before adding it to the soup to amplify its natural sweetness and depth. Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference; omit for a milder dish or use jalapeños for more heat. Texture Addition: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach at the end for a nutritious boost and added texture. Additional Depth: Throw in a splash of white wine along with the broth for an extra layer of flavor, reminiscent of a comforting bistro dish. This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. If you’re looking for more soup inspiration, don’t miss our Curry Chicken Soup and Thai Chicken Soup. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh for quick meals. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without tortellini for up to 3 months. This helps maintain its creamy texture. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth to achieve your desired consistency. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup in advance and store it for busy days. Just add the tortellini during the last few minutes of cooking when you’re ready to serve! What to Serve with Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Cozy up your dinner table with delicious accompaniments that enhance the warmth of your creamy soup, making every bite memorable. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic-infused toast is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich soup. Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s creamy texture beautifully. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the soup perfectly. Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm, cheesy sticks are a family favorite, bringing a gooey contrast to the velvety soup. Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoy a warm, spiced cider to enhance the comforting fall flavors in your meal. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with chewy cookies, providing a delightful contrast to the savory soup. Red Wine: A glass of light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cozy experience. Crispy Tortilla Chips: Their texture adds a fun crunch; lightly salted chips enhance the soup as you scoop! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and can save you precious time! You can chop the butternut squash, onion, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, cook the sausage and make the soup base (broth, squash, herbs) up to 3 days ahead; just let it cool before refrigerating. To finish the recipe, simply reheat the soup on the stove, add in the heavy cream and cheese tortellini, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the pasta is tender. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy that comforting, homemade soup with minimal effort, just as delicious as when first made! Expert Tips for Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Roast the Squash: For deeper sweetness, roast your butternut squash before adding it to the soup; this enhances its natural flavor. Prep Shortcut: Use pre-cut butternut squash to save time in the kitchen, making your butternut squash sausage tortellini soup a quick meal option. Freeze Wisely: This soup freezes beautifully, but do so without the tortellini to avoid mushiness; simply add it when reheating. Reheat with Care: If your soup thickens upon reheating, add a splash of broth to return it to that creamy, cozy consistency you love. Taste as You Go: Adjust the salt and pepper throughout cooking to ensure your butternut squash sausage tortellini soup has just the right balance of flavors. Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe FAQs What type of butternut squash should I use? Absolutely! When selecting butternut squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has smooth skin without dark spots or soft areas. A firm squash indicates freshness, and if possible, try to pick one with a deep, rich color for the sweetest flavor. How should I store leftover Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup? To keep your soup at its best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures that the flavors remain intact. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 3 months—just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Can I freeze this soup, and if so, how? Very! To freeze your Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup, first, make the soup without the tortellini. Once cool, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to leave some room for expansion. Label and date your containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and add freshly cooked tortellini during the last few minutes of cooking. What if I don’t have Italian sausage? No worries! If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can substitute it with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Just remember that different meats can alter the flavor slightly, so feel free to spice the dish according to your taste preferences for the best outcome. Can I use any other types of pasta instead of tortellini? Yes, indeed! While cheese tortellini adds a special richness, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes such as mini shells, or even whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose to ensure it cooks perfectly in the creamy broth. Is this soup suitable for pets or people with allergies? For pets, it’s best to avoid sharing this soup since some ingredients, like onion and garlic, are harmful to them. If anyone in your household has allergies, consider any substitutions—like using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream—to explore variations that fit their dietary restrictions. Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup Bliss Enjoy a cozy bowl of Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup, perfect for chilly evenings and adaptable to various dietary needs. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Or vegetable oil for a lighter option.1 pound Italian Sausage Substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option.1 medium Onion Red or yellow onion works great.3 cloves Garlic Minced fresh garlic preferred.4 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.4 cups Butternut Squash Diced, pre-cut squash simplifies prep time.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Use fresh thyme for enhanced aroma if available.1 teaspoon Ground Sage Optional; skip if preferred.1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste or omit for a milder flavor.For the Creamy Element1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut milk works for a dairy-free option.For the Pasta9 ounces Cheese Tortellini Consider whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired.For Seasoning and GarnishSaltPepperFresh Parsley Optional for garnish. Equipment large potImmersion blender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Incorporate diced butternut squash, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is tender.Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer to a countertop blender in batches.Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream and cheese tortellini. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until tortellini is cooked through.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesFor deeper sweetness, roast butternut squash before adding it to the soup. Use pre-cut squash for a quick meal option and freeze the soup without tortellini for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
