This Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The velvety smooth butternut squash base is complemented by the rich, spiced Italian sausage, while fire-roasted tomatoes and Great Northern beans add depth and heartiness. It’s a comforting, filling dish that is both nourishing and delicious. Ideal for cozy nights in, this soup is a fantastic choice for meal prepping or serving at family gatherings. The added garnishes of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish, adding brightness and umami. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread, this soup is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for added creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same pot, then sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly caramelize the edges.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup using an immersion blender for a smooth, creamy texture. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and return to the pot.
- Return the reserved sausage to the pot, along with the fire-roasted tomatoes and beans. Stir well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- If using, stir in heavy cream for extra richness.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
One of the reasons this soup is so popular is the contrast of flavors. Butternut squash, a naturally sweet vegetable, serves as the perfect base for the dish. When cooked and blended, it creates a creamy, velvety texture that adds richness to the soup without the need for heavy creams or thickeners. This mild sweetness pairs beautifully with the robust and slightly spicy notes of Italian sausage.
Italian sausage is a key ingredient in this dish, offering both protein and depth of flavor. Whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, it brings a rich, seasoned taste that enhances the overall dish. The natural fats released from the sausage during cooking infuse the soup with additional layers of flavor, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
In addition to these primary ingredients, the inclusion of fire-roasted tomatoes and Great Northern beans adds even more complexity. Fire-roasted tomatoes provide a subtle smokiness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the squash, while beans offer a hearty, creamy texture along with an extra dose of protein and fiber.
Why This Soup is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond its incredible flavor, Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup is also a nutrient-dense dish. Butternut squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and vision, while vitamin C supports the immune system making this soup a great choice during cold and flu season.
The addition of Great Northern beans contributes plant-based protein and dietary fiber, promoting digestion and helping to keep you full longer. Beans are also beneficial for heart health, as they help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
Using low-sodium chicken broth as the soup’s base ensures that it remains a heart-healthy meal without excessive salt. For those looking to reduce their fat intake, opting for lean turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage is an easy modification that still delivers great taste.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Liking
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily modify the soup based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few simple variations to consider:
- Make it Dairy-Free: While the soup is naturally creamy due to the blended butternut squash, some people enjoy adding a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar effect without the use of dairy.
- Add More Vegetables: While butternut squash is the star of the dish, you can incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or kale for additional texture and nutrients. Leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard can be stirred in at the end for extra color and freshness.
- Spice it Up: If you love bold flavors, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to enhance the heat.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the sausage and add extra beans or lentils for protein. A combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and Italian seasoning can help mimic the savory depth that sausage provides.
The Best Way to Serve and Store This Soup
Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup is a meal that can stand alone, but pairing it with the right side dish can elevate the experience even further. A slice of crusty bread, such as a rustic sourdough or a warm baguette, is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. Alternatively, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
If you’re preparing this soup in advance, it stores beautifully. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making the soup even more delicious the next day. For longer storage, this soup freezes well simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Conclusion:
Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and bold flavor. With its creamy butternut squash base, hearty sausage, and wholesome beans, this soup is a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. The best part? It’s easy to customize, making it a fantastic go-to recipe for any home cook. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy fall meal, or a make-ahead dish for busy days, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.