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Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.5 from 138 reviews

This hearty Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Enhanced with fragrant thyme and finished with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta & Cheese

  • 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from being greasy.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become aromatic.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
  4. Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically about 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
  5. Add Spinach and Season: Toss in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
  • You can substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a similar sweetness and texture.
  • Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried; use about 1 tablespoon fresh.
  • If preferred, turkey sausage is a leaner alternative to traditional Italian sausage.
  • This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add spinach fresh when reheating to maintain its texture.