Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Recipe

Butternut Squash & Sausage Soup Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Chilly evenings call for a hearty butternut squash and sausage soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich aromas will soon fill your kitchen with comfort.

Savory sausage chunks mingle delightfully with creamy squash, creating a symphony of flavors.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this rustic bowl of goodness.

Weekend cooking becomes a delightful adventure with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each spoonful promises a cozy embrace of robust flavors.

Grab your favorite soup pot and let’s create a memorable meal that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Why People Keep Coming Back to Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

  • Hearty and satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal chopping and simple cooking steps.
  • Combines protein-rich sausage with vitamin-loaded butternut squash for a balanced dish.
  • Easily adaptable with optional cream and flexible garnishing options for personal taste preferences.

Inside the Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base: – Sausage, Chicken Broth: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and depth to the soup, with sausage providing a savory meat component and chicken broth creating a smooth liquid base.

Vegetable Foundation: – Butternut Squash, Onion, Garlic: Sweet and robust squash brings creamy texture, onions provide aromatic depth, and garlic adds sharp, pungent undertones.

Seasoning Blend: – Thyme, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice mix that enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile, with thyme offering earthy notes and nutmeg providing warm complexity.

Finishing Components: – Heavy Cream, Parsley: Cream adds luxurious richness and smoothness, while fresh parsley brings bright, clean garnish with herbal freshness.

Cooking Base: – Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing ingredients and creating a smooth cooking foundation with a subtle Mediterranean flavor.

How to Make Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it into delectable crumbles. Transfer sausage to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Sweat Aromatics

In the same pot, add:
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Cook onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Toss in:
  • Cubed butternut squash
  • Chicken broth
  • Thyme
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash becomes fork-tender.

Step 5: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a velvety consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender and process in batches.

Step 6: Finish with Richness

Stir in:
  • Cooked sausage
  • Heavy cream

Heat through for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into warm bowls and savor this comforting, autumn-inspired soup.

Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Tips Worth Noting

  • Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian or spicy sausage for deeper flavor complexity in the soup.
  • Smooth Blending Technique: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier cleanup and more controlled texture.
  • Cream Optional Swap: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
  • Roast for Enhanced Flavor: Consider roasting butternut squash before adding to the soup to intensify its natural sweetness and caramelized notes.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

The Smart Way to Store and Reheat Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 23 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Pour soup into a pot, stir occasionally, and warm over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.

What Matches Well with Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

  • Slice a hearty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to dip into the creamy, rich soup, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
  • Select a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio with light oak notes to complement the soup's creamy texture and balance the sausage's spiciness.
  • Prepare a light salad with crisp apple slices, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
  • Grate fresh aged Parmesan cheese on top of the soup to add a salty, nutty complexity that elevates the entire dish's depth of flavor.

New Spins on Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Recipes

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Choose vegan sausage alternatives or omit protein entirely for a lighter soup.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking. Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to enhance the soup's warmth and complexity.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute butternut squash with cauliflower or zucchini. Use bone broth for extra nutrition and reduce overall liquid for a thicker consistency.
  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup healthy?

The soup is relatively nutritious, packed with vitamins from butternut squash and protein from sausage. It’s a balanced meal with vegetables and lean protein.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

  • Do I need special equipment to blend the soup?

An immersion blender works best, but a standard blender will work too. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in small batches to prevent splattering.

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Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty butternut squash and sausage soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, blending rustic Italian flavors with seasonal warmth. Savory sausage and sweet squash create a luxurious balance that invites comfort and satisfaction at your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 (2-3 lb) (9071361 grams) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over moderate temperature, creating a fragrant cooking environment.
  2. Introduce crumbled sausage into the pot, browning thoroughly and separating meat into delicate pieces. Extract the sausage using a perforated utensil and reserve on a nearby plate.
  3. Within the same culinary vessel, sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow aromatics to release their essence for roughly 30 seconds.
  4. Tumble cubed butternut squash into the pot, accompanied by rich chicken broth, earthy thyme, warm nutmeg, and appropriate seasoning. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil.
  5. Reduce flame to low, secure pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow ingredients to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring squash becomes fork-tender.
  6. Transform soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a silky, uniform consistency. Alternatively, cautiously transfer contents to a standard blender, processing in measured batches.
  7. Reintroduce previously cooked sausage into the velvety mixture, streaming in luxurious heavy cream. Gently warm the soup, allowing flavors to harmonize for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  8. Conduct a final taste assessment, calibrating seasonings to personal preference with subtle salt and pepper adjustments.
  9. Ladle the aromatic soup into awaiting bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor that complements the sweet butternut squash without overpowering it.
  • Roast the butternut squash beforehand to intensify its natural sweetness and add depth to the soup’s overall taste profile.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Ensure proper squash cutting by first stabilizing it on a cutting board and using a sharp chef’s knife to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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