Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that blends sweet squash with spicy sausage, perfect for chilly evenings. This delightful soup is not only hearty but also nourishing, making it a go-to choice for a cozy dinner. The combination of creamy butternut squash and savory sausage creates a flavor profile that warms the soul. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
This Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is not just delicious; it offers numerous benefits. First, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. The sweet butternut squash brings a natural sweetness, while the sausage adds a savory kick, creating a perfect balance. It’s a hearty butternut squash sausage soup recipe that is quick to prepare, with only 30 minutes of cooking time. This dish is also gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy winter produce, adding a touch of warmth to your table. Lastly, it’s versatile, allowing for creative adaptations like a vegetarian alternative or adding kale for extra nutrition.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
Gather these items:
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (remove stems)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cloves Garlic (mashed)
- 1 cup Stelline or Orzo Pasta
- 1 medium Butternut Squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk (for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the uncooked Italian sausage along with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and ground turmeric to infuse the flavors.
- Step 2: Brown the sausage by breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once it’s about halfway browned, add the stelline (or orzo) pasta to toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Mash the garlic and toss it into the pot, followed by the cubed butternut squash. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and stir everything to create a harmonious mixture.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from heat once the squash is perfectly cooked.
- Step 6: Add the fresh spinach, stirring it in until the leaves are wilted and vibrant. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) for a silky, creamy finish, mixing well.
- Step 7: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the warm soup.
- Step 8: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed before serving warm, ensuring each bowl is full of flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh thyme and garlic can significantly enhance the taste.
- For a healthier version, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat option.
- Pair this soup with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Feel free to experiment with spices to adjust the heat level and flavor profile.
- This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for a convenient meal prep option.
Best Ways to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
This hearty butternut squash sausage soup recipe can be served in various delightful ways. Consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad for a light and refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal. For extra nutrition, I love adding a side of roasted vegetables, which complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
To store your Butternut Squash Sausage Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the soup thickens, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Sausage Soup
What’s the secret to perfect Butternut Squash Sausage Soup?
The secret lies in balancing the flavors. Using high-quality sausage and fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Additionally, allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors meld beautifully together.
Can I make Butternut Squash Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance; the flavors will deepen and improve overnight. Just reheat before serving!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Butternut Squash Sausage Soup?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you don’t overcook the butternut squash, as it should be tender but not mushy. Also, taste for seasoning as you go to achieve the best flavor profile.
Variations of Butternut Squash Sausage Soup You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations: for a spicy butternut squash sausage soup, add jalapeños for heat. Alternatively, you can create a butternut squash and sausage chowder by adding corn. For a healthier take, try a vegetarian alternative to butternut squash sausage soup using lentils or chickpeas instead of sausage. Lastly, a slow cooker version allows for easy meal prep, letting the flavors meld over several hours.
For more delicious recipes, check out this stuffed butternut squash recipe or this creamy cajun sausage and potato soup. You might also enjoy this creamy green bean and potato soup for a comforting meal.
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Hearty Butternut Squash Sausage Soup to Warm You Up
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that blends sweet squash with spicy sausage, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (remove stems)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cloves Garlic (mashed)
- 1 cup Stelline or Orzo Pasta
- 1 medium Butternut Squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk (for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the uncooked Italian sausage along with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and ground turmeric to infuse the flavors.
- Brown the sausage by breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once it’s about halfway browned, add the stelline (or orzo) pasta to toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
- Mash the garlic and toss it into the pot, followed by the cubed butternut squash. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and stir everything to create a harmonious mixture.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender.
- Remove the pot from heat once the squash is perfectly cooked.
- Add the fresh spinach, stirring it in until the leaves are wilted and vibrant. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) for a silky, creamy finish, mixing well.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the warm soup.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed before serving warm, ensuring each bowl is full of flavor.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg