Name: Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 fresh sage leaves (see recipe note for substitution); 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage, casings removed; 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 15 ounces pumpkin purée; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 bunch kale (lacinto or curly, your preference), torn; 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking to cozy up with a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort. Packed with tender Italian sausage, velvety pumpkin purée, hearty cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant kale, this soup balances rich creaminess with fresh, autumnal flavors. Every spoonful is a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds, making it a perfect go-to recipe as the cooler days arrive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round white pot with two handles, placed on a wooden board, contains a layer of small diced white onions covering the bottom, topped in the center by two fresh green sage leaves. The pot sits on a white marbled textured surface with natural light casting soft shadows inside the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the aromatic onion and savory sausage to the creamy pumpkin and hearty kale, these components transform a simple soup into a soul-satisfying feast.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Yellow onion, diced: Offers a sweet and savory foundation that wakes up the flavors.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing every savory bite.
Fresh sage leaves (3): Lends an earthy, aromatic hint that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and sausage.
Italian-style chicken sausage (1 lb, casings removed): Adds hearty, juicy flavor and protein for substance.
Kosher salt (½ tablespoon): Brightens and balances the soup perfectly.
Freshly cracked black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and spice kick.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Offers just the right touch of smoky warmth without overpowering.
Pumpkin purée (15 ounces): The secret weapon for creaminess infused with subtly sweet autumn flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth (4 cups): This creates the perfect savory liquid base without being too salty.
Heavy cream (¾ cup): Brings a luscious, silky texture and rounds out the flavors.
Kale (1 bunch): Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious, slightly chewy texture.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): Gives satisfying bite and delicious pockets of melty cheese.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavorful Base

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh sage leaves, cooking gently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This slow sauté brings out natural sweetness and sets a deeply savory foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage to Build Richness

Next, add the Italian chicken sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small pieces. Let it cook undisturbed for a bit to get a nice brown sear, then stir occasionally until fully browned and juicy, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and adds hearty texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Pumpkin and Seasonings

Stir in the pumpkin purée along with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Make sure that every bit of sausage and onion is coated with the pumpkin, adding creamy sweetness and a little warmth from the spices, making the soup irresistibly cozy.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream for Rich Soup Base

Pour in low sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a velvety, smooth base. This combination elevates the pumpkin to luxurious heights and balances the savory sausage perfectly.

Step 5: Toss in Fresh Kale and Simmer Gently

Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Give everything a big stir, then cover and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the kale to soften and all the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Tortellini

Add refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the soup and cook for an additional 2 minutes until tender and plump. The tortellini bring delightful pockets of creamy cheese that make every spoonful irresistibly satisfying.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe

A black bowl filled with a creamy, orange-colored soup sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The soup contains two main layers: a thick, smooth orange broth forming the base, and scattered pieces of dark green leafy vegetables and small chunks of light tan meat or tofu throughout the liquid. The surface of the soup is sprinkled with finely grated light beige cheese and a fine dusting of black pepper. On the right side of the plate, there is a piece of golden brown toasted bread with a crunchy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over each bowl just before serving. The nutty, sharp notes of the cheese perfectly complement the rich soup, while a small drizzle of olive oil on top adds silky richness. For an extra touch, cracked black pepper makes a lovely finishing flourish that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. The bread soaks up every last drop, while a crisp salad adds bright contrast and crunch, making your meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls alongside a small ramekin of extra grated Parmigiano and chili flakes so guests can customize. You can also ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an eye-catching seasonal touch, making it a showstopper for any autumn gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before sealing to keep it fresh.

Freezing

While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the tortellini and kale, then add them fresh when reheating. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the greens from becoming overly mushy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If frozen without tortellini and kale, add fresh tortellini and kale during reheating and cook until tender. This way, you recapture the soup’s vibrant textures and creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian-style chicken sausage works wonderfully here, you can substitute with pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative depending on your preference.

Is there a substitute for fresh sage leaves?

If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage is a great substitute—use about one teaspoon. You can also experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary, which complement pumpkin nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream to maintain creaminess without dairy. Just keep in mind this will add a slightly different flavor dimension but remains delicious.

What type of pumpkin purée should I use?

Choose canned pumpkin purée labeled 100% pure pumpkin for convenience and consistent flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the taste.

How can I make the soup spicier?

For a kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level or add a splash of hot sauce right before serving. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can also introduce a lovely smoky heat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece. If you want to enjoy a bowl that comforts and excites your palate, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite ways to celebrate fall flavors and cozy up at home.