Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the perfect cozy dinner to enjoy when the weather turns crisp. This hearty soup combines tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s warm, filling, and ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve at a fall gathering.
What makes this soup especially perfect for autumn is the combination of rustic flavors herbs like thyme and rosemary, rich sausage, and hearty vegetables like carrots and spinach. The tortellini makes it satisfying enough to serve as a full meal, while the broth keeps it light and comforting. Pair it with crusty bread, and you have a dish that embodies everything we love about fall cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier version)
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Add diced tomatoes, broth, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- Stir in tortellini and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 5: Finish with Cream (Optional)
- Stir in heavy cream for a rich, creamy version.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Variations
- Creamy Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip sausage and use vegetable broth with mushrooms for depth.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Pumpkin Tortellini Soup: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree to the broth for an autumn twist.
Cooking Notes
- Refrigerated tortellini works best, but frozen tortellini can be used (increase cook time slightly).
- Don’t overcook the tortellini,it continues to soften in hot broth.
- If making ahead, cook tortellini separately and add just before serving to prevent mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread, focaccia, or a crusty baguette.
- Pair with a fall salad like spinach-apple walnut salad.
- Add a glass of red wine or sparkling cider for a cozy dinner.
Tips
- Use a mix of mild and spicy sausage for balanced flavor.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and basil give the best aroma.
- Store leftovers without tortellini in the broth to keep pasta firm.
- Freeze the soup base (without tortellini) up to 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 21g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
- Yes, just add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Q2: How long does autumn tortellini soup with sausage last?
- Store in the fridge up to 4 days. For best results, cook tortellini fresh when reheating.
Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare the broth and sausage mixture ahead and add tortellini before serving.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, skip cream and use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter broth.
Q5: What type of tortellini works best?
- Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini also taste great.
Conclusion
Autumn tortellini soup with sausage is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cool-weather cooking. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, fresh vegetables, and herbs simmered in a comforting broth, it’s a one-pot meal the whole family will love. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this soup will quickly become a go-to recipe during fall and winter.