Name: Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, sliced; 2 teaspoons chopped sage; 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 5 cups chicken stock (plus more if needed); 3 cups diced butternut squash; ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half); ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 pound (16 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini; 2 cups finely chopped kale, tough stems removed; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh herbs (fresh parsley or basil)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty soup that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, and this Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe does just that. Packed with sweet, tender butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and delicate cheese-filled tortellini, this dish is a beautiful dance of tastes and colors in a single bowl. It’s perfect for cooler days or whenever you crave a cozy meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six steps of cooking a colorful soup in a white pot on a white marbled surface. First, raw sausage pieces with a pink and red texture are in the pot with a wooden spoon stirring. Second, browned sausage crumbles are topped with green chopped celery, orange chopped carrots, white chopped onions, and dark green herbs. Third, big cubes of bright orange butternut squash cover the cooked ingredients inside the pot. Fourth, all ingredients are simmering in a light orange broth with bubbles on top. Fifth, the pot contains dry tortellini pasta, fresh dark green kale leaves, and a large pile of shredded white cheese over the broth. Sixth, the soup is fully cooked, showing orange broth filled with sausage bits, kale, cubes of butternut squash, and cooked tortellini pasta floating inside. The overall colors are warm orange, green, and white with brown meat tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that contribute layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory sausage that adds depth, to the fresh herbs that brighten everything up.

1 tablespoon olive oil: A subtle base fat that helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables beautifully.
1 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings savory, meaty richness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the squash.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild pungency and natural sweetness after cooking down.
1 carrot, diced: Offers subtle sweetness and a tender bite that complements the soup’s heartiness.
1 celery stalk, sliced: Injects fresh, aromatic flavor with a hint of earthiness.
2 teaspoons chopped sage: A fragrant herb that adds rustic warmth to the flavor profile.
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary: Gives a piney freshness that lifts the savory notes.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The essential aromatic that brings everything together with its rich, savory punch.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the dish.
5 cups chicken stock (plus more if needed): The flavorful liquid base that makes this soup so comforting and rich.
3 cups diced butternut squash: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and beautiful orange color.
½ cup heavy cream (or half and half): Adds a luscious creaminess that softens the texture and mellows the flavors.
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, umami depth and a subtle nutty finish.
1 pound (16 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini: Turns this soup into a satisfying, filling meal with its tender pasta and cheesy filling.
2 cups finely chopped kale, tough stems removed: A nutrient-packed green that adds color, texture, and a slight earthiness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook it until it browns evenly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is crucial because the browned bits bring an incredible depth of flavor to your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs

If there’s excess fat from the sausage, drain off all but about one tablespoon. Into the pot go the diced onion, carrot, celery, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped sage, and rosemary. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This mellow sweetness and herbaceous aroma forms a beautiful foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Add Butternut Squash and Seasonings

Next, stir in the diced butternut squash. Season everything with salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, then cook while stirring for about one minute. This brief cooking helps marry the flavors before adding the broth and allows the squash to begin releasing its natural sweetness.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Stock and Simmer

Pour in 5 cups of chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer until the butternut squash becomes tender—this should take about 10 to 15 minutes. This simmer is where the flavors mingle and deepen beautifully.

Step 5: Add Kale, Tortellini, Cream, and Cheese

After the squash is tender, stir in your chopped kale, heavy cream (or half and half), finely grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh cheese tortellini. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender but still holds its shape. This final step combines richness, creaminess, and that wonderful pasta bite to make the soup truly irresistible.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with some extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped herbs if you like. Your Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe is now ready to bring warmth and joy to your table!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich soup that has three main layers: at the top, there are light yellow tortellini pasta pieces with a soft texture, scattered throughout the bowl; beneath and mixed with the tortellini, there are chunks of bright orange butternut squash and small pieces of cooked ground meat with a brown, crumbly texture; dark green wilted kale adds color contrast throughout the dish, all sitting in a yellow-orange broth with a slight oily sheen and specks of black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup, and the bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a small portion of a white bowl of rice seen blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is an absolute must to enhance the creamy, savory notes of this soup. Brighten the bowl with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil—these add an inviting pop of color and a fresh, peppery twist that makes each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread makes for a more filling meal that soaks up every last bit of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, adding crispness and a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe in small, individual bread bowls—tear off chunks of the bread as you go for a rustic experience. You can also drizzle a bit of chili oil or a swirl of pesto on top just before serving for added visual appeal and layers of flavor that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any soup left, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those lovely flavors again without compromising texture or taste.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze before adding delicate garnishes or fresh herbs.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow, gentle reheating preserves the delicious creaminess and texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While mild Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap it for spicy sausage or even chicken sausage if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep the balance of flavors.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or additional mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative to keep it rich yet vegetarian-friendly.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Fresh cheese tortellini is preferred for its tender texture and mild flavor, which melts beautifully into the soup. However, frozen tortellini works as well—just be sure to cook it until tender.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat it later?

This soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it completely, store it refrigerated, and gently reheat when ready. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

How can I make this soup creamier without using heavy cream?

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half and half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a subtle twist. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup before adding the tortellini to naturally thicken and add creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Butternut Squash Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe enough—it’s one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of sweet squash, savory sausage, and tender pasta blends together to create something truly special. Whether you need a comforting meal for a chilly night or a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try and watch it become your new seasonal favorite!