🎉 Introduction
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup. This Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach combines hearty flavors, creamy broth, and tender cheese tortellini — creating the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly days.
Unlike heavy stews, this soup is light yet filling, with savory beef sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach that adds freshness and color. Every spoonful bursts with autumn comfort and balanced flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your bowl with pure happiness.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Protein
- 1 lb beef sausage, casing removed (use ground chicken or turkey if preferred)
🍅 Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
🍲 Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🧀 Pasta
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
🥛 Finishing Touch
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier texture)
- Fresh parsley or parmesan cheese for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they soften and release aroma. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Build the Broth Base
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Flavors
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Add Tortellini
Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 5–7 minutes for fresh or 10 minutes for frozen). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add Spinach
Once the tortellini is cooked, add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
Step 7: Make It Creamy (Optional)
For a creamier soup, lower the heat and stir in ½ cup heavy cream or milk. Do not boil after adding dairy — gentle heat keeps the soup silky.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese, and serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
🥄 Variations
- Chicken Version: Substitute sausage with ground chicken or grilled chicken strips.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip sausage and use white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or hot paprika.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or kale.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cream and use extra broth instead.
- Creamier Base: Stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for added richness.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with rice pasta.
3. Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely — turkey sausage works beautifully and is leaner.
4. What if I don’t have spinach?
Use kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
5. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes, it keeps the soup lighter and perfect for vegetarians.
6. How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or stir in a tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
7. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — prepare up to Step 6, then add tortellini and spinach when reheating.
8. Can I add potatoes?
You can! Dice small gold potatoes and simmer until tender before adding tortellini.
9. How long does it last in the fridge?
About 4 days when stored properly.
10. What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad are perfect sides.
🏁 Conclusion
This Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the very definition of comfort in a bowl — hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming. The savory sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach create a balanced and nourishing dish that feels like a hug from the inside out.
It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you taste how rich and satisfying it is, this soup will become your go-to comfort meal for the season.
Grab your spoon, snuggle up, and savor the cozy flavors of autumn.

Autumn Soup — Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they soften and release aroma. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 5–7 minutes for fresh or 10 minutes for frozen). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
- For a creamier soup, lower the heat and stir in ½ cup heavy cream or milk. Do not boil after adding dairy — gentle heat keeps the soup silky.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese, and serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
Yes, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. 2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with rice pasta. 3. Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely — turkey sausage works beautifully and is leaner. 4. What if I don’t have spinach?
Use kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green. 5. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes, it keeps the soup lighter and perfect for vegetarians. 6. How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or stir in a tablespoon of parmesan cheese. 7. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — prepare up to Step 6, then add tortellini and spinach when reheating. 8. Can I add potatoes?
You can! Dice small gold potatoes and simmer until tender before adding tortellini. 9. How long does it last in the fridge?
About 4 days when stored properly. 10. What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad are perfect sides. 🏁 Conclusion This Autumn Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach is the very definition of comfort in a bowl — hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming. The savory sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach create a balanced and nourishing dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you taste how rich and satisfying it is, this soup will become your go-to comfort meal for the season. Grab your spoon, snuggle up, and savor the cozy flavors of autumn.
