When the air gets crisp and the leaves start showing off their fiery reds and golds, there’s nothing better than curling up with a big bowl of Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and—most importantly—easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
This recipe is your answer to those chilly evenings when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t require spending hours in the kitchen. With savory Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and vibrant fall veggies, it’s basically a hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
This soup hits all the right notes: rich, creamy (without cream!), and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping for a cozy lunch, or hosting friends for a fall gathering, this dish fits the bill.
Here’s why it’s bound to become your new seasonal favorite:
- One pot, minimal cleanup. You’ll only need one trusty Dutch oven to make this magic happen.
- Comfort meets nutrition. Between the veggies, sausage, and spinach, you’re getting a wholesome meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.
- Ready in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when “homemade dinner” sounds nice, but takeout sounds easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these pantry staples waiting for you!
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 9 oz (250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, optional garnish
How to Make Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy around the edges (that’s where the flavor hides!).
Next, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, letting the veggies soften and soak up all those savory sausage drippings.
Step 2: Build the Brothy Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like cozy autumn magic—promise.
Step 3: Add the Tortellini and Finish
Add the tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until those little cheese pockets are tender and perfect.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (a little extra salt or pepper never hurts).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and finish with a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for color. Serve it warm with a slice of crusty bread—or just go straight in with a spoon and call it dinner!
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen
- Make it creamy: Want a creamier version? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving.
- Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage if you like a little heat—it pairs beautifully with the sweetness of butternut squash.
- No butternut squash? Swap it for sweet potatoes or even pumpkin puree for that same autumn flair.
- Freezer tip: This soup freezes best without the tortellini. Make the base ahead, freeze it, and then add fresh tortellini when you reheat.
(And don’t worry if your soup looks a little thick—it’s just extra cozy!)
A Little Story from My Table
I first made this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage on a chilly October evening when my kids were begging for something “cheesy but not boring.” The moment they took their first spoonful, there was silence (a rare miracle in my house). Since then, this soup has become a family staple—our go-to comfort meal whenever fall rolls around.
It’s that kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again—especially once sweater weather hits.

FAQs About Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—no need to thaw.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated and reheat on the stove over medium heat. If the broth thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Just swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness.
Cozy, Simple, and Full of Fall Flavor
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings all the autumn comfort without the hassle, this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is it. It’s quick, cozy, and filled with seasonal goodness that’ll make your kitchen smell divine.
So grab your favorite soup bowl, sprinkle on that Parmesan, and dive in. Because this isn’t just soup—it’s fall in a spoon.
More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love
If you adored this Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage, you’ll fall head over heels for these other comforting, flavor-packed recipes. Each one brings that same heartwarming, cozy vibe that makes chilly nights feel special:
- Craving something equally creamy and satisfying? Try my Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells — it’s pasta heaven with a velvety pumpkin twist.
- If you love the savory-sweet balance of this soup, you’ll adore the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup — rich, cheesy, and perfect for slow-cooker days.
- Keep those autumn flavors alive with a flaky, veggie-filled Roasted Autumn Vegetable Pot Pie — the ultimate comfort dish when you want to cozy up by the fire.
- And for a hint of pumpkin-season romance, don’t miss the dreamy Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta — it’s so good, it might just win someone’s heart (or at least get you a few extra compliments at dinner).
These recipes are not only delicious companions to your Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage, but they’ll also turn your kitchen into a cozy, fall-scented haven all season long.
Print
Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate cozy, one-pot comfort food for fall. Made with hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, sweet butternut squash, and baby spinach, it’s warm, savory, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need a bowl of comfort that feels homemade and full of love.
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 medium yellow onion, diced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
-
2 celery stalks, sliced
-
1 cup diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
-
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
9 oz (250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
-
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
-
Parmesan cheese, for serving
-
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until vegetables are softened and fragrant. -
Build the Broth Base
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. -
Add Tortellini and Spinach
Stir in the tortellini and simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until tender. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes, just until wilted. -
Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes
For a creamier soup, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a twist.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tortellini may absorb broth—add extra chicken stock when reheating.
Freezer tip: Freeze the soup without tortellini. Add fresh tortellini when reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg