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Dive into this thick and silky sausage pumpkin soup that brings cheese tortellini, sturdy kale, and pumpkin puree together in a warm, rich broth. Savory sausages come through with every bite, and everything cooks up easily in a single pot. Grab some crusty bread, kick back, and enjoy a cozy dinner made for fall evenings.
Dreamy Autumn Comfort Bowl
Whenever I put this soup on the stove, the scent of browned sausage and herbal sage just takes over my home. It’s my top choice for those chilly days, not only because it’s super tasty, but also because it fills me up on its own. I love how the cheesy tortellini, flavorful sausage, and hearty kale are all in one bowl—no side dishes needed unless you feel extra hungry.
Stuff You'll Gather
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Fills each spoonful with gooey cheese.
- Kale: Tosses in nutrients and a nice bite.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything extra rich and smooth.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the soup base tasty without being too salty.
- Pumpkin Purée: Adds a creamy, slightly sweet background.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: Packs a punch of protein and flavor, and you can pick spicy or mild.
- Fresh Sage: Gives a cozy, earthy twist.
- Garlic: Punches up the savory taste.
- Yellow Onion: Sweetens up the base and adds depth.
- Olive Oil: Starts everything off while you cook the onion and garlic.
Toss It Together
- Cook Tortellini
- Gently drop the cheese tortellini in and let it simmer until soft—just a couple minutes will do—then get ready to dig in while it’s hot and melty.
- Add Kale
- Stir in the torn kale, making sure it sinks into the broth. Pop a lid on and let it all hang out on low for about 10 or 15 minutes.
- Combine Broth and Cream
- Pour the broth and heavy cream into your pot next. Mix it all and heat it up to just bubbling.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices
- Spoon in pumpkin puree with your seasonings like salt, pepper, and a little crushed red pepper if you want a kick. Make sure it's all mixed up nicely.
- Brown the Sausage
- Scoop in the crumbled sausage, stirring now and then until it’s browned and cooked through—give it a few minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Start by warming oil in your big pot, then cook up the onion, garlic, and sage until they smell amazing and have softened up, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Nailing the Details
After making this soup more times than I can count, a few tips totally changed the game. Let your onions get just see-through—not brown—for top sweetness. Crumble your sausage into tiny chunks so every bite has that savory goodness. And for the cream, I pour it in little by little, always stirring, to keep things super creamy without any weird lumps.
Switch It Up
This soup’s super easy to tweak for any diet or craving. I’ve swapped out the cream for coconut milk and it’s got a chill, nutty taste. Spinach works great if you don’t have kale. Sometimes I load in extra veggies like celery or carrots. And if you’re cooking for vegetarians, just go for veggie sausage and broth—still just as cozy and satisfying.
Leftovers That Last
If you wanna keep leftovers tasty, keep the pasta and broth in separate containers. That way, the tortellini stays firm and doesn’t get mushy. Later, just warm the broth on the stove, toss in the pasta right before it’s time to eat, and it’ll taste just as awesome as the first night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the right way to sauté onions?
Get onions soft and clear, not brown. This brings out their sweetness. If they darken too fast, drop the heat.
- → How can I prepare the sausage perfectly?
Crumble the sausage into bite-sized chunks and spread it out. Let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes to enhance the taste.
- → What toppings work best for this soup?
Add grated Parmesan and a splash of olive oil. Offer extra cheese on the side at the table for more flavor.
- → Can I pick any kind of kale?
Sure, curly or lacinato kale both suit this soup. Whichever texture and taste you prefer will work great.
- → Why’s a heavy-bottomed pot better here?
It keeps heat evenly spread, helping all the ingredients cook nicely without sticking or burning.
Conclusion
Enjoy a luscious fall-inspired soup that combines pumpkin, spicy sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh kale for a quick 35-minute meal.