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Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale is the ultimate fall comfort food. This hearty dish combines savory Italian-style sausage, creamy pumpkin puree, tender kale, and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this one-pot meal is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
The Perfect Fall Comfort Soup
Every time I make this soup my kitchen fills with the most amazing aromas of sage and sausage mingling with sweet pumpkin. It's become my go-to recipe when the weather turns cooler not just because it's so delicious but because it's truly a complete meal in one pot. The combination of tender tortellini savory sausage and nutritious kale makes it satisfying enough for even the heartiest appetites.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and building flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the savory profile.
- Fresh Sage: Provides a warm, earthy note.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: Adds protein and seasoning, with options for mild or spicy.
- Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient for a creamy, sweet touch.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a savory base while controlling saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture.
- Kale: Offers a nutritional boost and hearty texture.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Provides a satisfying, cheesy bite.
Let's Make It Together
- Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and sage leaves. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, 3-5 minutes.
- Brown the Sausage
- Add crumbled chicken sausage to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices
- Mix in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Combine Broth and Cream
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Kale
- Stir in torn kale leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and cook on medium-low for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini
- Add cheese tortellini and simmer for 2 minutes or until tender. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Making It Perfect
Through many batches of this soup I've discovered some helpful tricks. Taking time to properly sauté the onions until they're just translucent but not browned brings out their natural sweetness. Breaking up the sausage into small pieces while it cooks ensures every spoonful has that perfect savory flavor. And when adding the cream I always do it slowly stirring constantly for the smoothest creamiest result.
Make It Your Own
This soup is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. I've made it with coconut milk instead of cream for dairy-sensitive friends and it's delicious with a subtle nutty flavor. Sometimes I'll swap in spinach for the kale or add extra vegetables like carrots and celery. For vegetarian guests I use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth keeping all the comfort without the meat.
Storing Your Soup
One of my favorite tips for keeping leftovers fresh is to store the broth separately from the tortellini. This prevents the pasta from getting too soft and helps maintain that perfect texture. When you're ready to enjoy it again just warm the broth gently on the stovetop and add the tortellini back in just before serving. It tastes just as wonderful as the first time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I cook the onions properly?
Cook onions until translucent but not browned to bring out natural sweetness without bitterness. Lower heat if they start browning too quickly.
- → What's the best way to cook the sausage?
Break sausage into small pieces immediately and spread in even layer. Let it sear before stirring too much to develop rich flavor.
- → What are the best finishing touches?
Top with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with extra grated cheese at the table for added flavor.
- → Can I use different types of kale?
Yes, both lacinato and curly kale work well in this recipe. Choose based on your preference.
- → Why use a heavy-bottomed pot?
A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven provides even heat distribution, preventing burning and ensuring ingredients cook uniformly.
Conclusion
A delightful fall soup that brings together the rich flavors of pumpkin, Italian sausage, and cheese tortellini, creating a comforting and satisfying meal in just 35 minutes.