Pumpkin Tortellini with Chicken Sausage (Printable)

Creamy pumpkin and cheesy tortellini simmered with savory chicken sausage and fresh kale in a seasoned broth.

# 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 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

→ Pasta

09 - 9 ounces 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sliced chicken sausage; cook for 3–4 minutes until sausage is lightly browned.
02 - Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken broth, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
03 - Add chopped kale and cheese tortellini to the pot. 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 soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The pumpkin creates this naturally velvety texture without needing to make a roux
  • My husband who claims he doesn't like kale ate three bowls without noticing
02 -
  • The tortellini will continue absorbing liquid if left in the soup too long
  • Pumpkin can vary in sweetness, so always taste before serving
  • Fresh tortellini cooks much faster than dried, so watch carefully
03 -
  • Chop your kale into bite-sized pieces so it's easier to eat
  • Let the soup cool slightly before adding cream to prevent separating
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