This sausage squash tortellini soup is simple, satisfying and a crowd-pleaser. Fire-roasted tomatoes, butternut squash, sweet Italian sausage, kale and Parmesan create bold, comforting flavor.
I’m sharing my go-to soup for when I want something quick, cozy and universally loved.
This base is versatile: fire-roasted diced tomatoes, greens and cheese tortellini make it easy to swap proteins or vegetables and still end up with the same satisfying result.
In this version I use roasted butternut squash, sweet Italian sausage and kale. I’ve also made similar bowls with chicken or a vegetarian white bean variation — they all work because the fire-roasted tomatoes and a little cheese give the soup a rich backbone.
We love this soup.
It’s incredibly easy, and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky, bright note that lifts the whole pot. The recipe is forgiving: swap in extra vegetables, use what you have in the fridge, or omit an ingredient and it will still be delicious.
Comforting, hearty and flavorful — perfect for fall dinners or any time you want a big bowl of goodness.
How I make it
I start by browning the sausage in a large pot. Browning gives the soup depth and leaves flavorful bits in the pan that become the base for the aromatics. After the sausage is nicely golden, I soften the onion, garlic and cubed butternut squash in the rendered fat so they pick up that savory flavor.
Next I stir in tomato paste and cook it until it deepens in color. This step amplifies savory notes and adds a slightly caramelized tomato flavor. Then I add diced fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken stock, toss in a Parmesan rind for richness, and simmer until the squash is tender.
A Parmesan rind is a small trick that makes a big difference — it melts into the broth and adds savory complexity. After the simmer, I stir in heavy cream, fold in chopped kale or spinach, then add cheese tortellini and cook just until the pasta is tender. If you prefer a thinner broth, add an extra cup of stock before the tortellini; remember tortellini will absorb liquid as the soup rests.
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat. Serve with a big slice of buttered sourdough for a complete, cozy meal.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper if you like a touch of spice. Leftovers taste great the next day — the tortellini will continue to absorb broth, so you may want to add a splash of stock when reheating.
Sausage Squash Tortellini Soup
Butternut Squash & Sausage Tortellini Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 14 ounces diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 Parmesan rind
- 4 to 5 cups chicken stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 8 to 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- crushed red pepper, for topping
Instructions
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Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, break it up, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
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If the pan looks dry, add the olive oil. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic and cubed butternut squash with another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and squash begin to soften, about 5 to 6 minutes.
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Add the tomato paste and cook a few minutes so it darkens and develops flavor. Pour in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes, add the Parmesan rind and 4 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the squash is tender.
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Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped kale or spinach. Add the tortellini and cook 4 to 6 minutes, until the pasta is tender. If you prefer a thinner broth, stir in the remaining cup of chicken stock before adding tortellini.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
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Just add a dipper!