Hearty Butternut Sausage Soup

This rich and hearty butternut squash and sausage tortellini soup brings together the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors in a warming broth. It’s a satisfying bowl that's ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you want a soul-soothing meal.

I first made this soup on a whim to use up squash from the farmers market. It quickly became a favorite for its heartiness and ease to customize.

Ingredients You Need

• Medium butternut squash: peeled and cubed to add natural sweetness and creaminess. Look for firm squash with no soft spots.
• One pound of Italian sausage: provides a savory, aromatic base. Choose spicy or sweet based on your preference.
• Eight ounces of cheese tortellini: fresh or frozen, brings cheesy indulgence and tender pasta texture.
• Four cups of low-sodium vegetable broth: create a flavorful, light base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Two cups fresh spinach: wilt into the soup, adding vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor.
• One medium onion: chopped finely builds a savory foundation with gentle sweetness when sautéed.
• Three cloves garlic: minced for aromatic depth and a slight kick.
• Two tablespoons olive oil: as the cooking fat to bring everything together smoothly.
• Salt and pepper: to taste, essential for balancing flavors perfectly.

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté gently until transparent, about five minutes, releasing a sweet aroma. Add minced garlic and cook just one minute, careful not to burn it but to awaken its fragrance.

Brown The Sausage:

Add Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. This takes about seven minutes and creates a rich, savory depth from caramelized meat and spices.

Simmer The Squash:

Stir in cubed butternut squash and pour in vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly fifteen minutes or until the squash becomes tender enough to mash softly with a spoon.

Cook The Tortellini:

Add the cheese tortellini directly to the pot and cook specifically according to package instructions. This is usually about five minutes and cooks the pasta to tender perfection inside the broth.

Wilt The Spinach:

Finally, throw in fresh spinach and stir it gently until wilted, about two minutes. This adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green that brightens the soup.

Serve Warm:

Spoon soup into bowls and add a crack of fresh black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like an extra layer of richness.

One winter evening, this soup was the star at a last-minute family gathering, praised for its balance of flavors and easy prep.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Freeze soup in individual portions for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the tortellini thickens the soup too much upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to regain the preferred consistency.

Ingredient Variations

Try swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. Use spinach alternatives like kale or Swiss chard for different textures and nutrients. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes added with garlic can introduce a gentle heat without overpowering the soup.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness and adds fresh contrast. Pair this meal with a glass of light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a fruity white like Riesling to balance the hearty flavors.

This soup has become a beloved comfort food in our family for good reason—flavors develop beautifully and it's surprisingly easy to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage works best in this soup?

Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy, brings rich, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of butternut squash.

→ Can I substitute fresh tortellini with frozen?

Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work well; just adjust cooking time accordingly, usually a few extra minutes for frozen.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead. Adding cannellini beans provides protein and texture.

→ What herbs pair well with the flavors in this dish?

Parsley and sage add fresh herbal notes that enhance the natural sweetness of squash and richness of sausage.

→ How should I store leftover soup?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

→ Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead. Add the fresh spinach just before serving to keep it bright and tender.