Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth to your table. This comforting soup features caramelized butternut squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, it makes for an ideal family meal or a gathering with friends. The balance of flavors and textures makes this soup both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty soup ready in just over an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of roasted butternut squash and Italian sausage creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Meal: This soup can be served as a main course or as a starter for any occasion.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and protein, this dish is both wholesome and satisfying.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup, having the right tools makes the process easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Soup pot
• Baking sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly without burning.
• Soup pot: Provides ample space for simmering the soup ingredients together.
• Baking sheet: Great for roasting the butternut squash evenly in the oven.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup, gather the following ingredients:

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
• Kitchen pan spray

For the Sausage Mixture

• 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from its casings
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 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

Herbs and Flavorings

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

Broth and Greens

• 6 cups (1 ½ quarts) heated chicken stock, homemade if possible
• 3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped

Finishing Touches

• 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 your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with foil to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut into one-inch pieces.
2. Lay out on the sheet tray with olive oil and black pepper.
3. Roast for ten minutes, then flip pieces over.
4. Roast for an additional ten minutes until caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil.
2. Add pasta (Ditalini) according to package directions; cook until al dente.
3. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water; set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Sausage

1. Spray the bottom of a medium soup pot with kitchen pan spray.
2. Heat on medium-high; add sausage meat while breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Brown sausage for about five minutes.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

1. Move browned sausage to the edges of the pot.
2. Add butter; once melted, add leeks, carrots, and celery.
3. Cook for three minutes until softened.

Step 6: Add Aromatics

1. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook for another two minutes to release flavors.

Step 7: Simmer

1. Pour in heated chicken stock; bring to a simmer.
2. Allow vegetables to cook until tender (about 15 minutes).

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Add spinach, roasted squash, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream into the pot; heat through until warm.

Step 9: Taste Test

Use a ladle to skim off any fat from the surface; taste your soup before adding any salt.

Step 10: Serve

Place cooked pasta into serving bowls; ladle hot soup over top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

With these easy steps, you’ll create a delightful bowl of Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup that warms hearts!

How to Serve Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup is a hearty dish that can be served in various ways. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread for dipping into the soup. The bread complements the creamy broth beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair the soup with a light mixed greens salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the soup.

With Cheese Toasts

• Prepare cheese toasts using your favorite cheese melted on toasted bread. Place them alongside your soup for an added crunch.

Topped with Crispy Onions

• Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of each serving for an extra layer of texture and flavor. They provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

To achieve the best results with this recipe, follow these helpful tips. Each step ensures that your soup is flavorful and satisfying.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.

• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before adding salt; every ingredient has its own level of saltiness, especially broth.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will absorb some broth while sitting in the soup.

• Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, consider blending half of the soup before adding back the solid ingredients.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

Complementing Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup with side dishes can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some tasty suggestions:

1. Garlic Bread: Crisped bread brushed with garlic butter makes a fantastic accompaniment for dipping.

2. Caprese Salad: A simple salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil adds freshness to your meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots can add flavor and nutrition.

4. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices create a filling side option that’s also colorful.

6. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: A cheesy cauliflower bake provides comfort food vibes that pair wonderfully with the soup.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized bring sweetness that complements the butternut squash in your soup.

8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Served warm with tortilla chips or crackers, this dip is a delicious way to start your meal before enjoying the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not roasting the squash enough: Failing to roast the butternut squash until caramelized can result in a bland flavor. Ensure you roast it until it’s tender and golden brown for maximum sweetness.

• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can lead to mushy results. Cook the pasta al dente and add it just before serving to maintain its texture.

• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust salt can make your soup taste flat. Always taste before serving and add salt only if necessary after tasting.

• Using cold stock: Cold chicken stock can lower the temperature of your soup, affecting cooking times. Always heat your stock before adding it to the pot for better results.

• Forgetting about gelling agents: If you’re aiming for a thicker consistency, overlook using plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar if desired. Incorporate them as per instructions for a creamier texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

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 Italian chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Consider adding chickpeas or another protein source for heartiness.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to incorporate vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the leeks, carrots, and celery.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Butternut and Sausage Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Its creamy texture paired with tender pasta makes it comforting any time of year. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your palate. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl today!