Pumpkin Tortellini Soup with Kale

This Pumpkin Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage and Kale is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day. It is a cozy, creamy autumn soup featuring tender pumpkin, savory chicken sausage, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant kale for a hearty, flavorful meal that provides 470 calories and 24 g of protein per serving.

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With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and 30 minutes of cooking, this easy main dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe yields 4 servings and blends American comfort with Italian-inspired ingredients for a truly unique soup experience.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 12 oz (340 g) chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic and chicken sausage; cook 3–4 minutes until sausage is lightly browned.

Step 3

Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken broth, thyme, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4

Add kale and tortellini; simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until tortellini are tender and kale is wilted.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6

Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and parsley if using. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, have your large soup pot, wooden spoon, chef's knife, cutting board, and ladle ready before starting. Note that this recipe contains wheat and milk, and may contain egg depending on the brand of cheese tortellini used; always check labels for potential allergens.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute turkey or plant-based sausage for the chicken sausage if preferred. For a different flavor profile, try using butternut squash puree in place of the pumpkin. If you are looking for a lighter version of this soup, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread and a crisp white wine. Be sure to garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.

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Enjoy this steaming bowl of comfort as the perfect meal for any autumn evening. With its rich textures and savory-sweet balance, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of homemade pumpkin puree for canned. Roast pumpkin pieces until tender, then blend until smooth before adding to the soup.

→ What can I substitute for chicken sausage?

Turkey sausage, Italian pork sausage, or plant-based sausage work well. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the type you choose.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup without adding tortellini and cream. Store refrigerated up to 3 days. When reheating, add tortellini and cream, then simmer until pasta is tender.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free tortellini and substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream. Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative for garnish.

→ What type of kale works best?

Curly kale or Lacinato (dinosaur) kale both work well. Remove tough stems and chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months, but cook tortellini fresh when reheating as pasta can become mushy when frozen. Add cream after thawing and reheating.