Hearty Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Recipe for Fall

Chilly evenings call for a comforting bowl of creamy butternut squash and sausage soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, velvety textures dance with savory sausage in this hearty winter classic.

The golden butternut squash brings a sweet, nutty depth to every spoonful.

Aromatic herbs and spices weave through the soup, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.

Italian sausage adds a robust, meaty character that perfectly complements the smooth squash base.

Each ladle promises a soul-satisfying meal that turns a simple dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Grab your pot and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this comforting soup.

Instructions for Creamy Sausage Squash Soup

• Sausage Foundation

Brown Italian sausage with herbs and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan. Cook until meat releases delicious juices and breaks into small, delectable pieces.

• Orzo and Garlic Awakening

Introduce uncooked orzo and minced garlic to the sausage. Toast ingredients together, allowing orzo to develop a golden hint of color.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken stock and add cubed butternut squash. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until orzo and squash reach perfect tenderness.

• Green Whispers

Gently fold spinach leaves into the pot. Cover and allow greens to wilt softly, creating layers of flavor and texture.

• Creamy Embrace

Remove from heat and swirl in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with additional stock if needed, creating a silky smooth experience.

• Final Touch

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and delicate thyme leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty soup.

Flavor Pairing Ideas

• Soup Secrets: Mastering Flavor and Texture
• Sausage Selection Swap: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. Ground turkey sausage works wonderfully for a leaner option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Veggie Variety Boost: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different seasonal twist. Roasting the squash beforehand intensifies its natural sweetness and adds deeper caramelized notes to the soup.
• Texture Transformation Tricks: For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Leave some chunks for rustic texture or blend completely for a silky finish. Toasting orzo beforehand creates a nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore original creaminess. Pro tip: Keep garnishes like Parmesan and fresh thyme separate until serving to maintain maximum freshness.

How to Serve This Cozy Soup

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every delicious drop of the creamy broth.
• Protein Power-Up: Complement the soup with a simple grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon on the side for an extra protein boost that balances the meal perfectly.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal's flavors with a glass of medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that will beautifully complement the creamy butternut squash and savory sausage notes.

Butternut Squash Soup Storage Suggestions

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers. This hearty soup becomes a lifesaver for busy weeknights when cooking feels overwhelming.
• Refrigerator Longevity: Store soup in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and become more robust as ingredients meld together during refrigeration.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze soup without cream for best texture – add fresh cream when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and leave slight expansion room. Frozen soup maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm soup on stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken stock if soup seems too thick after refrigeration. Microwave works well in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle for even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

• Spicy Italian Sausage: Delivers hearty, zesty undertones that elevate the soup's depth and richness.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a robust liquid base that infuses the soup with savory warmth and complexity.

• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent base notes that complement the squash's sweetness.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Introduces earthy, woody nuances that enhance the overall soup's flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends traditional Mediterranean herbs for a well-rounded aromatic experience.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and vibrant kick to balance the creamy texture.

• Butternut Squash: Offers creamy, sweet foundation with velvety smooth consistency.
• Orzo: Adds delightful, chewy pasta element that makes the soup more substantial.
• Spinach: Brings fresh, verdant color and nutrient-rich leafy dimension.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky mouthfeel and rounds out the soup's flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty crystalline notes for a sophisticated garnish.

What You Need to Make the Soup

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking sausage, toasting orzo, and simmering the entire soup.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning chicken stock and other liquid ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cubing butternut squash and mincing garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Lid: Used to cover the saucepan while simmering and wilting spinach.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for creating fresh Parmesan cheese garnish.

Hearty Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty butternut squash and sausage soup delivers comfort from Italian kitchens with savory depth and rich texture. Warm spices and creamy puree invite you to savor each spoonful of this rustic winter classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz (425 g) spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
• 10 oz (283 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken stock
• 1 cup (240 mL) orzo, uncooked
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 mL) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
• Red pepper flakes, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear and Season: In a large saucepan, brown Italian sausage over medium heat with Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Crumble meat thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.
2. Toast and Develop: Add orzo and garlic to the sausage, toasting for 2 minutes to create a golden, nutty profile while releasing aromatic essences.
3. Simmer and Infuse: Pour chicken stock over the mixture, integrate butternut squash, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until orzo and squash become tender and flavors meld completely.
4. Wilt and Combine: Spread spinach leaves across the surface, cover, and allow to wilt naturally. Gently stir to ensure even distribution and harmonious flavor integration.
5. Finish and Adjust: Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Thin with additional chicken stock if needed, and enhance with extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle into serving bowls, generously top with grated Parmesan and fresh thyme leaves, creating a visually stunning and aromatic culinary presentation.

Notes

• Sear Like a Pro: Break down sausage into small, even pieces to maximize caramelization and release deep, complex flavors during initial cooking stage.
• Orzo Toasting Technique: Lightly toast orzo for precisely 2 minutes to develop a golden color and enhance its natural nutty undertones without burning.
• Liquid Balance Matters: Monitor soup’s consistency by adding extra chicken stock if too thick, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that coats the palate perfectly.
• Spinach Wilting Secret: Add spinach leaves last and cover briefly, allowing gentle heat to soften greens while preserving vibrant color and nutritional integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg