Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and brightens any gathering. This creamy soup features roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and tender pasta, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of flavors and textures creates a unique experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, while the sausage adds depth.
• Comforting Meal: This soup is hearty and filling, making it ideal for chilly days or when you need a warm dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for all skill levels.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup, having the right tools can make a world of difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Medium soup pot
• Sheet tray
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
• Medium soup pot: Perfect size for simmering your soup ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Sheet tray: Provides ample space for roasting vegetables evenly in the oven.

Ingredients

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup combines chunks of caramelized butternut squash, sweet Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, baby spinach, and tender pasta in a creamy, flavorful broth.

For the Soup Base

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cut into one-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from their casings
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables

• 2 cups leek, white only, cleaned of sand and diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup celery, diced (one large stalk)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dry sage (or poultry seasoning if you can’t find sage)

Additional Ingredients

• 6 cups (1 ½ quarts) heated chicken stock, homemade if possible
• 3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt, as needed (add only after tasting the final soup)

How to Make Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and line a sheet tray with foil.

Step 2: Roast the Squash

Peel and clean the squash. Cut it into one-inch pieces. Lay them out on the sheet tray with olive oil and black pepper. Roast for ten minutes, flip them over, then roast for an additional ten minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil with some salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to box directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Sausage

Spray the bottom of a medium soup pot with kitchen pan spray. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage meat. Break it up as it browns using a wooden spoon for about five minutes.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once browned, move cooked sausage to the pan edges. Add butter to melt before adding leeks, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables for three minutes until softened.

Step 6: Incorporate Garlic & Seasonings

Add garlic, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for two minutes until fragrant.

Step 7: Simmer with Stock

Pour in hot chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a simmer; let it cook until vegetables are tender—about 15 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in spinach, cooked squash, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Heat everything together until reaching serving temperature.

Step 9: Skim Fat & Season

Use a ladle to skim off any fat floating on top of your soup. Taste before adding kosher salt; salt only if necessary.

Step 10: Serve Your Soup

Place cooked pasta into serving bowls and pour hot soup over it. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy this comforting Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

How to Serve Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Serving Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup can enhance the experience for your guests or family. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement this comforting dish.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a burst of color and flavor.

Include Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the soup, enhancing its richness.

Offer a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate and balances the creamy soup.

Garnish with Cheese

• Extra Parmesan: Grate additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and a gourmet touch.

Pair with Wine Alternatives

• Sparkling Water with Lime: For a non-alcoholic beverage, serve sparkling water with a slice of lime to cleanse the palate.

Use Colorful Bowls

• Vibrant Dishware: Presenting the soup in brightly colored bowls can make your table setting more inviting and fun.

How to Perfect Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

To ensure your Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup turns out perfectly each time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning Choices: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust spices to suit your preference.

• Bold Texture Variations: For added texture, blend half of the soup until smooth, then mix it back for a creamy yet chunky consistency.

• Bold Broth Recommendations: Using homemade chicken stock enhances the flavor significantly; if you can, make it ahead of time.

• Bold Vegetable Prep: Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking. This helps them become tender at the same time during simmering.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup can elevate your meal. Here’s a selection of delightful options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup’s rich broth.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and tanginess that complements the creamy soup beautifully.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients while enhancing flavors without overpowering.

4. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits made with cheese provide a hearty addition that pairs well with soup.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.

6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and beans make for a filling side dish that’s also nutritious.

7. Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a bright, fresh element alongside the hearty soup.

8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries introduce sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with butternut squash flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness. Always roast for the best flavor and texture.
• Using cold stock: Adding cold stock can shock the soup’s temperature. Always heat your chicken stock before adding it to maintain a consistent heat throughout cooking.
• Not tasting for seasoning: It’s crucial to taste before serving. Adding salt without tasting might lead to an overly salty soup. Adjust seasonings based on personal preference.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but firm veggies for better texture in your soup.
• Ignoring pasta cooking time: Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the soup. Follow package instructions closely to ensure al dente pasta.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Microwave in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup.

Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option while maintaining great flavor.

How can I customize my Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Is there a vegan version of this soup?

Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan twist on this recipe.

How do I thicken my Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, consider blending part of the soup or adding more roasted butternut squash puree.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup is not only hearty but also versatile, perfect for any season. Its creamy texture paired with savory flavors makes it a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients!