Pumpkin Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage and Kale (Printable version)

A cozy, creamy autumn soup featuring tender pumpkin, savory chicken sausage, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant kale for a hearty, flavorful meal ready in 45 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Produce

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 cups pumpkin puree
05 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
07 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

→ Meats

08 - 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

→ Pasta

09 - 9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated

→ Dairy

10 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

15 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
16 - Chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and chicken sausage; cook 3–4 minutes until sausage is lightly browned.
02 - Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken broth, thyme, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
03 - Add chopped kale and cheese tortellini; simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until tortellini are tender and kale is wilted.
04 - Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
05 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the creamy pumpkin coats the tortellini feels like a luxurious blanket for your soul.
  • It is a one pot miracle that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian cottage.
02 -
  • Wait until the very end to add your salt because the sausage and cheese tortellini bring a lot of hidden brine.
  • If the soup gets too thick while sitting a small splash of extra broth will revive that perfect silky texture.
03 -
  • Grating your own Parmesan right over the hot bowl creates a much better melt than the pre shredded stuff.
  • Do not let the tortellini boil too vigorously or they might burst and lose their cheesy filling to the soup.
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