Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup

Hearty Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup 🍲

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a crisp chill, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to bring a sense of coziness to your home. This Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup is the perfect dish for those fall and winter months when you crave something hearty yet wholesome. Packed with the sweetness of butternut squash, the savory flavor of Italian sausage, and the creamy indulgence of cheese tortellini, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a meal to satisfy everyone at the dinner table or a recipe that can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets, this soup checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious, comforting soup at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (omit for vegetarian) 🌭
• 1 onion, diced 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped 🧄
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme) 🌿
• 2 tablespoons sage, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon dry sage) 🍃
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) 🥣
• 1 pound butternut squash, cubed 🎃
• 1 large apple (or pear), peeled, cored, and diced 🍎🍐
• 1 pinch cinnamon (optional) 🌰
• 1 pound cheese tortellini (gluten-free for gluten-free) 🧀
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk) 🥛🥥
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated 🧀
• 4 ounces baby spinach 🌱
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Continue cooking until the sausage is thoroughly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, set the sausage aside. 🍳
2. Sauté the Onion: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. 🧅
3. Add Flavorful Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and sage. Let the mixture cook until the garlic and herbs become fragrant, about 1 minute. 🧄🌶️🌿🍃
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), then add the cubed butternut squash, diced apple (or pear), and a pinch of cinnamon if you desire a hint of warmth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the butternut squash is tender, about 15 minutes. Once tender, use a stick blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender or food processor. 🍲🎃🍎🌰
5. Cook the Tortellini: Return the pureed soup to the pan and bring it back to a simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. 🧀⏳
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely into the soup, about 2-3 minutes. 🥛🧀
7. Finish with Spinach and Sausage: Add the baby spinach to the soup, stirring until it wilts. Finally, return the cooked sausage to the soup, mixing well to incorporate. 🌱🌭
8. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, warming dish! 🧂😋

Recipe Notes:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy every spoonful! 🍲