Spaghetti Squash Soup with Italian Sausage

This Spaghetti Squash Soup is the ultimate fall comfort food, combining tender strands of squash with savory Italian sausage, white beans, and vibrant Swiss chard. The tomato-based broth is infused with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper, making every spoonful rich with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to your preferences try swapping in kale for the chard, or using milder sausage for a lighter kick. Perfect with a side of crusty bread or on its own!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs), halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 12 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken stock (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 cups Swiss chard, roughly chopped
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Chopped sage (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Spaghetti Squash: Rub the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the squash cut-side down on the lined baking sheet. Roast for 30–40 minutes until tender. Once cooled slightly, scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and set aside.
  3. Cook the Sausage: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Build the Soup Base: Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chicken stock, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, crushed red pepper, white pepper, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  6. Add Greens and Beans: Stir in the Swiss chard, white beans, and the roasted spaghetti squash strands. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the chard is tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped sage, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 483 per serving | Servings: 4-6

The Perfect Comfort Food for Fall

As the temperatures drop and the golden hues of fall blanket the landscape, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm both body and soul. Spaghetti Squash Soup with Italian Sausage is an embodiment of cozy, hearty comfort, offering a delightful twist on traditional autumn recipes. This soup brings together the sweetness of roasted spaghetti squash, the savory depth of Italian sausage, and the vibrant freshness of Swiss chard in a light yet flavorful tomato-based broth. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that makes every spoonful an absolute delight.

The Appeal of Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is one of nature’s most fascinating vegetables. Once roasted, its flesh transforms into noodle-like strands that mimic pasta but with far fewer carbs and calories. This makes it a popular choice for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets. Beyond its versatility, spaghetti squash has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with bold and spicy ingredients, such as Italian sausage. It’s also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, making it an excellent base for a wholesome and satisfying soup.

A Hearty and Balanced Dish

One of the standout features of this recipe is its perfect balance of hearty, healthy ingredients. The spicy Italian sausage adds richness and a touch of heat, which is beautifully balanced by the sweet, delicate strands of spaghetti squash. White beans contribute a creamy texture and a dose of plant-based protein, while Swiss chard not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also provides an array of vitamins and minerals.

The tomato-based broth is where the magic truly happens. Seasoned with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, it has a subtle complexity that elevates this soup from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting to the palate.

Customization: Make It Your Own

What makes this soup truly special is its adaptability. While the original recipe calls for spaghetti squash, you can easily swap it out for other vegetables, like zucchini noodles, spiralized sweet potatoes, or even roasted butternut squash. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of spicy sausage, you can opt for a milder version or use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian option.

The choice of greens is also flexible. While Swiss chard lends a lovely earthy flavor, you can substitute it with kale, spinach, or collard greens, depending on what you have on hand. For the beans, cannellini or black beans can be used in place of white beans, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.

A Meal Prep Marvel

This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also practical. It comes together in about an hour and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or stocking up your freezer with hearty meals for busy nights, this soup is a fantastic choice. In fact, it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

To store it, simply keep the soup and the spaghetti squash strands separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the squash from absorbing too much liquid and losing its pleasant texture. When it’s time to enjoy, just reheat the soup and stir in the squash before serving.

Perfect Pairings and Toppings

While this soup is delicious on its own, adding a few toppings can take it to the next level. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese enhances the savory notes, while a dollop of sour cream or diced avocado provides a creamy contrast to the spicy broth. For a bit of crunch, try homemade croutons or crispy tortilla strips. If you’re a fan of heat, finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.

Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Alternatively, serve it in smaller portions as a starter for a multi-course dinner it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is as healthy as it is satisfying.
  • Easy to Make: With a straightforward preparation process, it’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
  • Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
  • Meal Prep-Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

The Heart of Fall in Every Spoon

Spaghetti Squash Soup with Italian Sausage isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall’s most comforting flavors. The combination of tender squash, savory sausage, and hearty greens in a richly spiced tomato broth is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a gathering of friends.

Beyond its comforting nature, this soup represents the versatility and creativity of seasonal cooking. It encourages us to experiment with ingredients, adapt recipes to our needs, and savor the unique flavors of fall’s harvest.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Spaghetti Squash Soup with Italian Sausage is a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also brings a sense of comfort and joy to the table. So, grab a bowl, curl up by the fire, and let this soup warm you from the inside out. You might just find that it becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes for the season.