🎉 Introduction
When the leaves start turning golden and there’s a crisp chill in the air, nothing soothes the soul like a steaming bowl of Autumn Soup. This Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the very essence of cozy comfort — hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Packed with tender cheese tortellini, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a silky, aromatic broth, this soup captures everything you love about fall in one nourishing bowl. Each spoonful brings warmth and depth, blending Italian-inspired flavors with the homestyle comfort of a family meal.
Unlike heavy stews, this soup is light yet filling, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner. It’s ready in under an hour, requires just one pot, and leaves your kitchen smelling absolutely divine. Whether served with warm crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this is a recipe that will instantly become a seasonal favorite.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essentials ready:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl (for pre-mixing seasonings)
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach:
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Creamy Tortellini Spinach Mixture
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for slight thickening)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil
- Crushed red pepper
- Toasted bread or garlic croutons
👩🍳 Directions
Let’s make your cozy Autumn Soup step by step:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage slices and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned on the edges.
- Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Add the Tortellini and Chicken Sausage
- Return the cooked chicken sausage to the pot.
- Add the cheese tortellini and simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
- In a small saucepan (or in the same pot if preferred), melt the butter over low heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly add the milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the soup and stir gently to combine.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for another minute.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or herbs, and serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
This soup makes a hearty family meal — serve it with garlic bread, toasted baguette slices, or a side salad for a full, comforting dinner.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Keep your Tortellini Soup fresh and flavorful with these tips:
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- The tortellini will absorb some liquid, so add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Freezing
- Freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 2 months (the pasta may become mushy if frozen).
- Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Avoid boiling, as it can cause the dairy to separate.
🥄 Variations
Want to put your own spin on this Autumn Soup? Try these delicious ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
- Tomato Base: Add one can of crushed tomatoes to make a tomato-cream version.
- Extra Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a more robust texture.
- Mushroom Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, hearty note.
- Lemon Herb Soup: Add a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving for brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy chicken sausage or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cream-Free Option: Skip the milk and butter for a lighter, broth-based soup.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.
2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken?
Absolutely — turkey sausage works perfectly and adds great flavor.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — replace milk with coconut milk or oat milk, and skip the Parmesan cheese.
4. What kind of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach or mushroom-filled ones are delicious too.
5. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook everything except the tortellini and spinach on low for 4 hours, then add them in the last 20 minutes.
6. How do I thicken the soup more?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add 1 extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.
7. Can I use dried tortellini?
Yes — cook it separately according to package instructions, then add to the soup.
8. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
9. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Zucchini, peas, corn, or bell peppers blend beautifully in this soup.
10. What’s the best bread to serve with it?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or cheesy breadsticks pair perfectly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Autumn Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with cozy aromas. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
With the perfect balance of creamy broth, hearty pasta, and nutritious greens, every spoonful feels like a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. The chicken sausage adds just the right savory depth, while the spinach and tortellini bring texture and freshness.
So grab your favorite soup pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this bowl of fall perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a comforting lunch, this soup will always bring warmth to your table.
Autumn Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach | Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
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Method
- Let’s make your cozy Autumn Soup step by step:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage slices and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned on the edges.
- Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken sausage to the pot.
- Add the cheese tortellini and simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a small saucepan (or in the same pot if preferred), melt the butter over low heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly add the milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the soup and stir gently to combine.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for another minute.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
Yes! Just add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time. 2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken?
Absolutely — turkey sausage works perfectly and adds great flavor. 3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — replace milk with coconut milk or oat milk, and skip the Parmesan cheese. 4. What kind of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach or mushroom-filled ones are delicious too. 5. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook everything except the tortellini and spinach on low for 4 hours, then add them in the last 20 minutes. 6. How do I thicken the soup more?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add 1 extra tablespoon of flour to the roux. 7. Can I use dried tortellini?
Yes — cook it separately according to package instructions, then add to the soup. 8. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. 9. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Zucchini, peas, corn, or bell peppers blend beautifully in this soup. 10. What’s the best bread to serve with it?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or cheesy breadsticks pair perfectly. 🏁 Conclusion This Autumn Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with cozy aromas. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to serve to guests. With the perfect balance of creamy broth, hearty pasta, and nutritious greens, every spoonful feels like a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. The chicken sausage adds just the right savory depth, while the spinach and tortellini bring texture and freshness. So grab your favorite soup pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this bowl of fall perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a comforting lunch, this soup will always bring warmth to your table.
