Why Make This Recipe
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a warm and hearty dish. It brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini.
This soup is perfect for chilly fall days. It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Plus, it’s comforting and satisfying, making it a great meal for family and friends.
How To Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
- 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 needed.
- Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and butternut squash to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add cheese tortellini to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, until tortellini are tender.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Prep Time And Nutrition Facts
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories. It contains roughly 20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat.
How To Serve Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Enjoy this soup as a full meal or as a nice starter.
How To Store Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To store any leftover soup, let it cool completely. Pour the soup into airtight containers and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.
Tips To Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- If you like a little spice, choose spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- For a thicker soup, you can blend part of it before adding the tortellini.
- If you want to make it lighter, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Health And Benefits Of This Recipe
This soup is packed with nutrients. The Italian sausage provides protein, which helps build muscles. The vegetables like carrots and butternut squash are high in vitamins A and C, which support your immune system. Spinach adds iron and other minerals that are good for your body. Overall, it’s a balanced meal that is warm and nourishing for cooler days.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like peas or mushrooms for additional flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, and you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
3. What can I do if I don’t have butternut squash?
You can replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes or even pumpkin for a delicious change!