Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup: Hearty, Cozy, and Full of Flavor

Nothing warms the soul on a chilly day quite like a bowl of rich, comforting soup. Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup perfectly captures the essence of fall with its velvety squash, savory sausage, and tender cheese-filled tortellini. Each spoonful offers a balance of creamy texture, aromatic spices, and satisfying heartiness that makes this soup a standout for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy weekends.

This soup isn’t just about flavor—it’s about comfort. The natural sweetness of roasted or sautéed butternut squash complements the savory, slightly spicy Italian sausage, while the tortellini adds a chewy, delightful bite. Aromatics like garlic, onions, and a hint of sage round out the flavors, making it a dish that fills both the kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with warmth.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a table of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per total recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	240
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casing)	1 lb	960
Onion (chopped)	1 medium	44
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves	13
Butternut Squash (peeled & cubed)	3 cups	200
Chicken or Vegetable Broth	6 cups	90
Heavy Cream	½ cup	410
Cheese Tortellini (fresh or frozen)	9 oz	700
Fresh Sage (optional)	1 tbsp	2
Salt	1 tsp	0
Black Pepper	½ tsp	3
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)	¼ tsp	0
Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional)	¼ cup	110

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
   • In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Butternut Squash and Broth
   • Add cubed butternut squash and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until squash is tender.
4. Blend the Soup (Optional)
   • For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Add Cream, Tortellini, and Sausage
   • Stir in heavy cream, cheese tortellini, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until tortellini is cooked through.
6. Season and Serve
   • Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh sage to taste.
   • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Protein Options: Swap sausage for chicken, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by using chickpeas or tofu.
• Tortellini Variations: Use spinach, mushroom, or cheese tortellini depending on preference.
• Cream Alternatives: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to increase heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Add kale, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	400 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Sugars	5 g
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Fiber	5 g
Sodium	650 mg

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy broth.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sage for an elegant presentation.
• Ideal as a cozy weeknight dinner or a starter for fall gatherings.

FAQs

1. What is Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup?

It’s a hearty, cozy soup that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and tender cheese-filled tortellini, all in a creamy, flavorful broth.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze the soup without the tortellini. Add fresh or frozen tortellini when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the sausage and use chickpeas, beans, or extra vegetables for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Can I use store-bought frozen tortellini?

Yes! Both fresh and frozen cheese or spinach tortellini work well. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, combining the sweetness of squash, savory sausage, and tender tortellini in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for warming up during fall and winter months. Customizable with different proteins, tortellini flavors, and vegetables, this soup can be a weeknight favorite or a show-stopping dish for gatherings. Rich, hearty, and satisfying, every spoonful brings warmth and comfort straight to your table.