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Hearty Sausage Pumpkin Tortellini Soup with Kale brings cozy autumn vibes to your table. This filling bowl combines zesty Italian-style sausage, smooth pumpkin puree, fresh kale, and cheese-stuffed tortellini in a thick, tasty broth. Great for chilly evenings, this simple one-pot creation goes perfectly with a slice of crusty bread.
Cozy Fall Soup Delight
Whenever I whip up this soup, my home fills with wonderful smells of sage and sausage mixing with the sweet pumpkin notes. It's become what I reach for when temps drop, not just because it tastes amazing but because it's truly a full meal in one pot. The mix of soft tortellini, flavorful sausage and healthy kale fills up even the hungriest folks at my table.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: To cook the veggies and build deep flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Brings natural sweetness to the soup base.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves boost the savory taste.
- Fresh Sage: Adds a cozy, earthy flavor.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: Brings protein and flavor, choose spicy or mild.
- Pumpkin Purée: The key ingredient for smoothness and subtle sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Makes a tasty base without too much salt.
- Heavy Cream: Creates silky texture and richness.
- Kale: Adds nutrients and a nice chewy texture.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Gives you those yummy cheese-filled bites.
Let's Make It Together
- Cook Tortellini
- Add cheese tortellini and let simmer for 2 minutes until they're soft. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
- Add Kale
- Mix in torn kale leaves, making sure they're completely covered by liquid. Cover pot and cook on medium-low for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Broth and Cream
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Mix well and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices
- Stir in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, making sure everything gets well mixed.
- Brown the Sausage
- Put crumbled chicken sausage into the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it turns brown.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Warm olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and sage leaves. Cook on medium heat until they smell good, about 3-5 minutes.
Making It Perfect
After cooking this soup many times, I've learned some handy tips. Taking your time to cook the onions just until they're see-through but not brown really brings out their sweetness. Breaking the sausage into tiny bits while cooking means you'll get that yummy flavor in every bite. When it's time for the cream, I always pour it in slowly while stirring the whole time to get the smoothest, creamiest results.
Make It Your Own
You can easily change this soup to fit what you like or need. I've used coconut milk instead of cream for friends who can't have dairy, and it turns out great with a light nutty taste. Sometimes I'll use spinach instead of kale or throw in extra veggies like carrots and celery. For my vegetarian buddies, I use fake meat sausage and veggie broth, keeping all the comfort without any meat.
Storing Your Soup
The best way I've found to keep leftovers tasting fresh is to keep the broth apart from the tortellini. This stops the pasta from getting mushy and keeps that just-right texture. When you want to eat it again, just warm up the broth gently on the stove and add the tortellini back in right before you serve it. It'll taste just as good as when you first made it.
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Common Questions
- → What's the trick for perfect onions?
Sauté them gently until soft and clear, but don’t let them brown. Lower the heat if needed to prevent a bitter taste.
- → How do I prepare the sausage?
Break it into bits as soon as it hits the pan. Let it sit to brown a bit before stirring, so you get those tasty crispy bits.
- → What are good additions at the end?
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil are great. Serve with extra cheese on the side for more flavor.
- → Can I swap with another type of kale?
Absolutely! Opt for curly kale or lacinato depending on what you prefer. Both work well here.
- → Why should I use a heavy pan?
A sturdy pot spreads the heat evenly, preventing sticking or burning while letting everything cook nice and evenly.
Final Thoughts
An incredibly flavorful soup combining pumpkin, sausage, cheese tortellini, and kale. It’s a satisfying, warm dish that’s quick to prepare!