Imagine a steaming bowl of soup filled with sweet, tender chunks of butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and soft cheese-filled tortellini, all swimming in a creamy, comforting broth. This Butternut Squash & Sausage Tortellini Soup is your go-to for a cozy dinner that feels special yet comes together easily. Whether you’re winding down a busy day or feeding a hungry family, this soup brings warmth, flavor and satisfaction.
What Is Butternut Squash & Sausage Tortellini Soup / Why It’s Special
This recipe blends familiar favorites winter squash, sausage, pastawith creamy richness in one pot. What makes it special is how the sweetness of the butternut squash balances the savoriness of the sausage and the indulgence of the cheese tortellini. The result is hearty enough for dinner but comforting enough for a quiet night in. Plus, it’s simple to customize and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a green salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed or crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2½ cups cubed butternut squash (about 1 medium squash)
- 14 oz diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
- 4 to 5 cups chicken stock or broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 8 to 12 oz cheese tortellini
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Add-Ins:
- A pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg for fall warmth
- Substitute spinach if you prefer over kale
- Use gluten-free tortellini to make it GF-friendly
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Break it apart and cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies & Squash
If the pot looks dry, add the olive oil. Add the diced onion, minced garlic and cubed butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften and squash begins to brown slightly, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Stock
Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and the parmesan rind (if using). Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Greens & Tortellini
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale (or spinach). Add the cheese tortellini and cook for about 5 minutes more (or until tortellini is tender). If it seems too thick, stir in the additional cup of chicken stock. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
- Tip: Keep the tortellini cooking time short so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Variation: Swap sausage for turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
- Variation: Replace kale with spinach or baby greens if you prefer.
- Why You’ll Love It: The sweetness of squash + savory sausage + creamy pasta means one bowl delivers a full meal in comforting form. A real winner for chilly evenings.
FAQs
Q-1. Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cubed butternut squash works well and saves prep time.
Q-2. What type of tortellini should I use?
Cheese-filled fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best for quick cook time. You can use dry tortellini but may need to adjust cooking time.
Q-3. Can I make this soup ahead or freeze leftovers?
You can make ahead and refrigerate. Tortellini may absorb some liquid, so add extra stock when reheating. Freezing is less ideal because pasta texture may degrade.
Q-4. How can I make this lighter or vegetarian?
Use turkey or plant-based sausage, replace heavy cream with a lighter milk/cream, or skip meat entirely and bump up the squash & greens.
Conclusion
This Butternut Squash & Sausage Tortellini Soup checks every box: comforting, flavorful, easy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a hearty family dinner in one pot, this one’s a winner. Grab the pot, build your layers of flavor and dig in.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!