The scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air. Leaves crunch beneath my boots. There’s a definite chill in the breeze. It’s officially autumn. And what does autumn mean to me? A big pot of something warm, comforting, and hearty on the stove. Today, that’s Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage: Cozy Fall Favorite. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, brimming with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini. It’s the perfect antidote to a blustery day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup isn’t complicated, yet it tastes like you spent hours simmering it. Seriously. It’s:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, roasted vegetables, and fragrant herbs is simply delicious.
- Comforting & Warm: Perfect for those cool autumn evenings. It’s pure cozy vibes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love tortellini, and the mild flavors appeal to most palates.
- Versatile: Easily adapted to your preferences (more on that later!).
The Ingredient List – Your Autumn Soup Arsenal
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic soup. I’ve included measurements for a generous 6-8 servings.
- Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!), removed from casings
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Bell Pepper: 1 red or orange, chopped (adds a wonderful sweetness)
- Zucchini: 1 medium, chopped (can substitute squash)
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can, undrained
- Dried Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Tortellini: 9-12 ounces, cheese-filled (refrigerated or frozen – see tips below)
- Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces, roughly chopped (optional, but adds great color and nutrients)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (because everything’s better with parmesan!)
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: Building Your Cozy Soup
Let’s get cooking! These steps are straightforward and easy to follow.
1. Brown the Sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onions soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini and cook for 2 minutes more. We want them slightly tender, not mushy.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Tortellini:
- Stir in the cheese-filled tortellini.
- Cook according to package directions – usually about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
5. Finish With Spinach (Optional):
- If using spinach, stir it in during the last minute of cooking. It will wilt quickly.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using).
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions – Level Up Your Soup!
This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to personalize it!
- Frozen Tortellini: Using frozen tortellini is perfectly fine! Just add them during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, as they may need a little longer to cook through.
- Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks even faster – around 2-3 minutes.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to swap in other veggies you love! Kale, mushrooms, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions. Roasting the squash or sweet potatoes beforehand would enhance their flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Soup: For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Power: Don’t be afraid to add more fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme would be lovely.
- Make it Heartier: Add a can of cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping – perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad also complements the soup nicely.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients)
- Fat: 15-25g
- Protein: 18-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
(Please note: this is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Embrace the Autumn Flavor!
There you have it – a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious Autumn Tortellini Soup With Sausage: Cozy Fall Favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, a go-to comfort food, and a little piece of autumn warmth on even the coldest days. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let the aroma of simmering goodness fill your kitchen! What are you waiting for? Give it a try and tell me what you think!
