🎉 Introduction
There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day. This Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup combines tender cubes of butternut squash, savory sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy broth infused with garlic, sage, and thyme.
It’s a one-pot wonder that feels both cozy and indulgent—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving to guests. The sweetness of butternut squash balances beautifully with the savory sausage, while the tortellini adds a cheesy bite that makes this soup truly irresistible.
If you’re craving something that warms both your belly and your soul, this recipe is your answer. Easy to prepare and ready in about 40 minutes, it’s sure to become a staple comfort food in your kitchen.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian chicken sausage (casings removed, crumbled)
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated, about 9 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Butternut Squash & Broth
- Stir in butternut squash cubes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until squash is tender.
Step 4: Add Tortellini & Cream
- Stir in tortellini and return cooked sausage to the pot.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Best frozen before adding tortellini and cream (add them fresh when reheating). Keeps up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if soup thickens.
🥄 Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for cannellini beans or lentils, and use veggie broth.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or carrots for more nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage or extra chili flakes.
- Herby Twist: Stir in fresh rosemary or basil before serving.
- Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut—just add directly to the pot.
2. Do I need to peel fresh butternut squash?
Yes, the skin is tough. Pre-cubed squash saves time.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, but tortellini makes it extra creamy and comforting.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream for coconut milk or oat cream.
5. What if I don’t have sage?
Rosemary or Italian seasoning are great substitutes.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook sausage first, then add all ingredients (except tortellini and cream). Cook on low for 6 hours, then add pasta and cream before serving.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free tortellini.
8. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, make ahead without tortellini. Add pasta when reheating.
9. Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely, it works just as well as chicken sausage.
10. What sides pair best?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal: hearty sausage, tender squash, cheesy pasta, and a creamy broth that ties it all together. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining guests.
With its balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Grab your biggest spoon, some crusty bread, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort.
Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup | Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in butternut squash cubes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until squash is tender.
- Stir in tortellini and return cooked sausage to the pot.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Yes, it’s a great shortcut—just add directly to the pot. 2. Do I need to peel fresh butternut squash?
Yes, the skin is tough. Pre-cubed squash saves time. 3. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, but tortellini makes it extra creamy and comforting. 4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream for coconut milk or oat cream. 5. What if I don’t have sage?
Rosemary or Italian seasoning are great substitutes. 6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook sausage first, then add all ingredients (except tortellini and cream). Cook on low for 6 hours, then add pasta and cream before serving. 7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free tortellini. 8. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, make ahead without tortellini. Add pasta when reheating. 9. Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely, it works just as well as chicken sausage. 10. What sides pair best?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad. 🏁 Conclusion This Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal: hearty sausage, tender squash, cheesy pasta, and a creamy broth that ties it all together. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining guests. With its balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Grab your biggest spoon, some crusty bread, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort.
