Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup

This Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed bowl of comfort. With naturally sweet roasted squash, hearty Italian sausage, and creamy broth, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for chilly days, meal prep, or sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is rich in flavor and texture. The sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with the savory sausage, while a creamy base ties everything together. It’s easy to make, reheats like a dream, and is loaded with vegetables and protein. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Olive oil
• Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• Yellow onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• White beans (like cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
• Kale or spinach, chopped
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions

1. Brown the sausage
   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pot, add onion and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add squash and broth
   Stir in the cubed butternut squash and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is very tender, about 15–20 minutes.
4. Blend (optional)
   For a creamy base, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. Or transfer half of the mixture to a blender, puree, and return to the pot. Skip this step for a chunky soup.
5. Stir in remaining ingredients
   Return the sausage to the pot. Add the beans, chopped greens, and cream or coconut milk. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted and soup is heated through.
6. Taste and serve
   Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and add more beans or lentils.
• Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• Low-dairy or dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.
• Add grains: Stir in cooked farro, quinoa, or rice to bulk it up.
• Extra veggies: Toss in celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sauté step.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Leave out the cream if planning to freeze and stir it in when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I use precut or frozen butternut squash?

Yes! Precut or frozen squash works great and saves time. No need to thaw frozen squash before using.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

Is it better to blend the soup or leave it chunky?

It’s up to you! Blending gives a creamy texture, while leaving it chunky adds more bite and texture.

Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can carefully transfer part of the soup to a blender, puree it, and return it to the pot.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Use less broth, or blend more of the soup. You can also stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for extra richness.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of squash?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a great substitute and work well in this soup.

What kind of beans work best?

Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans are all excellent choices for their creamy texture and mild flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check your sausage and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.

Can I serve this with bread?

Absolutely! A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for dunking into this flavorful soup.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for fall, winter, or anytime you’re craving comfort food. Easy to make and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Make a big batch—you’ll want leftovers!

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