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Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup

A full-flavored, richly textured meal, this Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup has it all: spicy and bold Italian sausage, tender white beans, tangy diced tomatoes, and a base of pureed butternut squash. So, SO good!

butternut squash soup with Italian sausage soup in a dutch oven with ladle inside the soup

Creamy Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Soup

There’s something about the yummy, fennel-spiced Italian sausage in this soup that seems to welcome cooler weather. The colors, texture, and yummy butternut flavor are just cozy comfort food through and through.

I love making this quick and easy soup on weeknights! It only takes about half an hour, but tastes like it simmered all day.

overhead shot of butternut squash and sausage soup in a white soup bowl

Soup Ingredients

This butternut squash soup is made with healthy, easy to find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Butter: For sauteing. You can also use your favorite cooking oil.
  • Onion: I use a yellow onion here, but you can substitute any type of onion.
  • Red Bell Pepper: This adds a sweet and pungent flavor to the finished soup, plus a nice punch of color!
  • Italian Sausage: You’ll need about 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage. You can also use Italian sausage links, removing the casings before cooking.
  • Fresh Garlic: Mince the garlic or put it through a garlic press.
  • Squash: This recipe uses about 2.5 pounds of butternut squash (that’s about one medium squash), peeled, seeded, and chopped into 1-inch cubes.
  • Chicken Broth: You’ll need 6 cups of broth. I use low-sodium chicken broth, but you can substitute homemade broth, vegetable broth, or bone broth. Each will have a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Bay Leaf
  • Northern Beans: 1 can of great northern beans, well rinsed and drained.
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 can of fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Heavy Cream and Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish.

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup

This soup comes together pretty quickly on the stovetop without sacrificing any of that “simmered all day” flavor that’s the hallmark of comfort food. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Saute the Onions, Peppers, Garlic, and Sausage. In a dutch oven or stockpot, melt the butter. Add the onions and peppers and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the sausage and cook through, breaking up the sausage into crumbles. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove the sausage mixture from the pot and set aside.
  2. Simmer the Squash. Add the chopped squash to the pot, stir in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until butternut squash is tender. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf.
  3. Blend the Soup and Add the Remaining Ingredients. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (you can also blend the soup in a blender and return it to the pot afterwards). As the soup continues to cook over medium heat, add the beans, tomatoes, sausage mixture, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Garnish and Serve!
overhead shot of butternut squash and sausage soup in a dutch oven

Tips for the Perfect Bowl of Soup

  • Veggie prep tips: Large, firm veggies with thick peels like rutabaga and butternut squash can be difficult to prep. Your best bet? Use a really sharp knife that’s fairly large, to avoid accidents caused by flimsier knives that need more muscle behind them. You can find more tips here! OR, grab 2 to 3 bags of already-cut butternut squash.
  • Slow-Roasted Flavor: If you have a little more time, you can roast the squash instead of simmering it! Cut whole squash in half, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast (cut-side up) on a sheet pan for about 30 minutes at 400°F. After you remove the sausage mixture from the pot, add this roasted squash along with the chicken broth and bay leaf to the pot, and just heat through before blending.
  • Creamy substitutions: Feel free to substitute creme fraiche for the heavy cream.
  • Diary free & vegetarian options: By omitting the cream and replacing the butter with oil, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, and you have a healthier masterpiece!

How to Garnish This Homemade Soup

There are so many delicious ways to garnish soup! Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Croutons: Any kind, really, but I love homemade ones!
  • Fried Aromatics: Yep, a lightly-fried sprinkle of sliced garlic, shallot, or onion makes a lovely garnish.
  • Cheese: I’m not saying you should pop a slice of gruyere or swiss cheese on top of this and put it in a warm oven to melt… wait… YES, yes I am. Just be sure to use oven-safe bowls or ramekins and don’t let the cheese burn!
  • Veggies: From salsa and cucumber to kimchi and piccalilli, there are lots of tangy and fresh-tasting options to add a punch to your soup!
side shot of butternut squash and sausage soup with cream in a white soup bowl

Serving Suggestions

  • Quick and Creamy: I think this soup goes nicely with a simple but creamy side, like my Quick Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Filling and delicious!
  • Rich Textures: You’re in for an avalanche of texture and flavor if you pair this soup with a chopped salad. Try an Avocado Tomato Salad, it’s amazing!
  • Simply Sweet: Don’t pass up on any opportunity to serve these delightful little hand pies. Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescent Rolls for the win!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Soup

  • To refrigerate: Cover the soup tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Place the desired portion of soup in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until just heated through.

Can You Freeze Butternut Squash Soup?

  • Yes, you can! To freeze this soup, place it in freezer bags or other airtight freezer containers, with as little air as possible inside once sealed. This soup keeps frozen for up to one month.
overhead shot of butternut squash and sausage soup in a white soup bowl
Print Recipe
5 from 30 votes

ITALIAN SAUSAGE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

A rich and comforting soup with spicy and bold Italian sausage, tender white beans, tangy diced tomatoes, and a base of pureed butternut squash.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best butternut squash recipes, butternut squash recipes, comfort food, easy soups, italian sausage
Servings: 10
Calories: 322kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a dutch oven or stockpot set over medium heat. Add onions and peppers; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in sausage and cook for 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, breaking up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
  • Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage mixture from the pot and set aside.
  • Melt remaining butter in the pot set over medium heat; add squash to the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in chicken broth; add bay leaf, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a steady simmer and continue to simmer, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until butternut squash is tender. Start checking around the 10-minute mark.
    Note: The larger the chunks of butternut squash, the longer it will take for them to soften.
  • Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Remove couple handfuls of butternut squash chunks from the soup and set aside.
    Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. You can also blend the soup in a blender. Return soup back to the stockpot.
  • Return the butternut squash chunks back to the pot. Set stockpot over medium heat. To the soup, add beans, tomatoes, and previously prepared sausage mixture; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust accordingly. Drizzle with cream. Garnish with parsley. Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 778mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10303IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 3mg

91 Comments

  • Sara Welch
    Oct 27, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    I love soup season for recipes just like this one! Excited to warm up with this for dinner tonight; looks too good to pass up!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 28, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Beth
    Oct 27, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so delicious and tasty! My husband is going to love this recipe!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 28, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Amanda
    Oct 27, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    Perfect time of the year for this soup. My family is going to love this!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 28, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      Thank YOU! I hope you and your family enjoy it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Catalina
    Oct 28, 2020 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    This soup is so hearty and flavorful. Perfect for these cold days!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 28, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Toni Dash
    Oct 28, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    I really love how comforting this is!! My family loved it.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 28, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      I’m very glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Cathy
    Oct 28, 2020 at 11:55 pm

    The Italian sausage takes this soup to the next level!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Nov 2, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Scott
    Nov 2, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Can i make this in a crockpot and cook it all day on low?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Nov 2, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      Hi!
      I’d brown the sausage beforehand and then just put everything in the slow cooker and cook it on LOW.

      Reply
  • Dana McElvy
    Dec 17, 2020 at 3:01 am

    I made this tonight. It was amazing! One of the best soups I ever had.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Dec 21, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Judy
    Jan 21, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    5 stars
    This was very tasty. I only had mild sausage so I used a lot of extra spice. Italian seasoning, 2 tsp of salt and 2 tsp pepper. I also sauted the onion and pepper with a bit of bacon grease in addition to the butter. I did not use the beans since all I had on hand was pinto. We did not miss them. We will make this again since we always have a bumper crop of butternut squash. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Kathy Wright
    Mar 2, 2021 at 4:10 am

    The soup is incredible! Did not add heavy cream or parsley. Definitely one of our favorites!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 2, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Ines
    Apr 17, 2021 at 5:30 am

    5 stars
    Made it last night, it was delicious. Thank you

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Apr 19, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Ruth
    Sep 29, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    This was So Very Good!! I added a little of ground thyme and extra red pepper flakes. Thickened it a bit with slurry of half and half and cornstarch. This is definitely a keeper. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 1, 2021 at 8:42 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Tammy B
    Oct 2, 2021 at 8:58 pm

    Has anyone canned this soup? How did it turn out?

    Reply
  • Annalisa
    Oct 6, 2021 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    This is very tasty!! I did not garnish with heavy cream, instead I sprinkled parmesan cheese on top…YUM!!! I also removed the casings from the sausage. AND I cooked it in my Instant Pot — 25 min on high with natural release…. squash on the bottom and remaining ingredients on top and instead of blending I used a hand potato masher. Thank you for such an awesome recipe!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 6, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for chiming in! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Amy
    Oct 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    What are your thoughts on being able to freeze portions of this for left overs?

    Reply
  • Nan
    Oct 13, 2021 at 9:25 am

    Is the 2.5 pounds of squash listed in the ingredients before it’s been peeled, seeded and cubed or after?

    Reply
    • Kim
      Oct 25, 2022 at 4:46 pm

      I have the same question!

      Reply
  • Sarah Ramirez
    Oct 22, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    Very tasty..I did it without the beans and tomatoes.

    Reply
  • colleen deppiesse
    Oct 26, 2021 at 10:14 pm

    5 stars
    Hi this soup is delicious and it comes together quite quickly -perfect for busy weeknights. Thank you!

    Reply
  • Cindy
    Oct 30, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe. Mostly followed recipe except used Better Than Bouillon vegetable broth rather than chicken and rather than salt and pepper, used Umami seasoning. It is definitely great fall comfort food. Delicious!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Allison Kalpokas
    Nov 2, 2021 at 11:54 am

    5 stars
    This was AH-Mazing . I’ve made it twice. I used chicken sausage because I count macros and the fat content was lower. It’s so filling and so so easy to make. I am not a cook by any means and I found real joy in making this !!!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Nov 3, 2021 at 10:36 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Malinda S.
    Nov 4, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    5 stars
    Just made tonight as our temps are dipping to 30 degrees at night…this is delicious! I was going to make my chili tomorrow for a football tailgate on Saturday, but I’m taking this as an option too now! It’ll be a β€œtouchdown” I’m positive! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovski
      Nov 5, 2021 at 12:55 pm

      I’m very happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for chiming in! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Mandy
    Nov 15, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    5 stars
    So easy, so yummy. Totally making again.

    Reply
  • Lisa
    Nov 21, 2021 at 10:50 pm

    5 stars
    Wonderful! Going to be one of our new favorite cold weather soups. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Nov 22, 2021 at 11:57 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Elizabeth
    Jan 15, 2022 at 9:32 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe. I can taste it already. I know it will be fabulous.

    Reply
  • Marsha
    Jan 17, 2022 at 7:48 am

    Can you use kale in this soup?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jan 18, 2022 at 7:46 am

      Yes, kale is great in this soup.

      Reply
  • Sharon
    Feb 28, 2022 at 11:35 am

    Very tasty and spicy soup. We did not serve with cream and parsley but substituted shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips. I also added Rotel fire roasted tomatoes and peppers instead of regular tomatoes and bell peppers to give it even more spice. Will make again. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 1, 2022 at 1:53 pm

      That’s great to hear! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • rick
    Mar 26, 2022 at 2:03 pm

    5 stars
    My wife hates soup and doesn’t like squash but she really liked this! I replaced the beans with 3/4 c brown rice and 1 extra can chicken broth. it turned out fab.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 27, 2022 at 10:02 am

      That’s wonderful to hear! I’m very glad you and your wife enjoyed it! Thank you for chiming in! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Laura Parks
    May 31, 2022 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe! Only thing I changed was to add a handful of sliced spinach to each bowl before ladling hot soup over each to add some extra green and nutrients.

    Reply
  • s
    Aug 19, 2022 at 11:26 am

    5 stars
    I made this exactly as written and it was fabulous. I will be adding this to our regular meal rotation. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Aug 21, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      That’s wonderful! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Tiffany
    Sep 30, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    Has anything me double the recipe to make bunch of it and if so did you double the onion and garlic?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Oct 2, 2022 at 10:25 am

      Hi!
      Yes, you should double the onions and garlic, too.

      Reply
  • Ami
    Oct 1, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    5 stars
    This is sooooo good. It is rich, creamy, and filling. We had some for lunch and I am freezing the rest for after a day out in the cold with warm crusty bread and butter.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 3, 2022 at 11:38 am

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • nancy
    Oct 1, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    I used pimento peppers from my garden instead of red pepper (didn’t have) and chickpeas instead of great northern beans (again…didn’t have). turned out great. great combination of ingredients. often butternut squash soups are quite rich, but this great tasting and a wonderful texture.

    Reply
  • Peggy
    Oct 2, 2022 at 11:54 am

    5 stars
    Yum! A tasty balance of the hot sausage with the butternut squash. Delicious!

    Reply
  • Suzanne
    Oct 13, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    This looks so good! What a great meal to make as a lunch meal prep or to serve to guests!

    Reply
  • Vanessa
    Oct 13, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
  • Sandi
    Oct 14, 2022 at 5:44 am

    5 stars
    This soup was a hit….a home run!!
    Now one of my favorites!!!!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 17, 2022 at 12:12 pm

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Linda Racine
    Oct 14, 2022 at 9:16 pm

    5 stars
    OMG! This soup is absolutely delicious. I made it exactly as printed. I make a lot of soup (one to two times a week), and this is my new favorite!

    Reply
  • Sydnee
    Oct 17, 2022 at 9:33 pm

    5 stars
    WOW! This was so yummy. I wasn’t feeling well today, and this soup was so easy to make and so yummy to eat. Definitely making this again!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 18, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Bev
    Oct 19, 2022 at 11:02 pm

    5 stars
    So, so good πŸ˜‹. Browned 4 slices chopped bacon, removed & sauteed veggies in bacon grease. Added 2 stalks of celery I really needed to use, about 1 1/2 teasp. fennel seeds, 2 teasp. onion powder, 1 more can of beans, big handful of chopped kale at end & made slurry of cornstarch & half n half; added chopped bacon. Garnished with shredded parmesan.

    Reply
  • Linda
    Oct 28, 2022 at 7:35 pm

    Made this tonight and was delicious! I did double the sausage (used sweet Italian ground Sauage), was a bit liberal with the fresh garlic and sprinkled a touch of thyme in, too. I had some fresh baby spinach leaves in the fridge, so when the soup was done, I added 3-4 cups and , with the heat off, let it wilt in the soup. Looked and smelled sooo good! When the soup was ladled into lovely soup crocks, I topped each bowl with some fresh, thinly shaved parmesan. The softened, warm cheese was divine, the cream, tomatoes, all of it. Soooo good. Served it with thick buttered slices of rustic crusty bread and enjoyed a lovely fall soup. Thank you for the recipe! Very good and versatile soup

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Oct 29, 2022 at 10:03 am

      That’s great! I’m very happy you loved it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Linda
    Oct 28, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    Forgot to rate. Definitely a 5!

    Reply
  • Marin
    Nov 3, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    Do you have to drain the fat from cooking the sausage in the butter mix? It only states to remove the sausage with slotted spoon.

    Reply
  • Susan
    Nov 8, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    5 stars
    This soup is DELICIOUS!. The only change I made was to use 2 cans of beans as all I had was small navy beans

    Reply
  • Victoria
    Dec 2, 2022 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    I was wondering about the picture of this soup, it has a lot of greens in it. Did you forget to add either kale or spinach? I added kale, and also added thyme and red pepper flakes with parmigiana cheese on top after ladled into our bowls. It tasted absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  • Pamela
    Jan 9, 2023 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    I am a soup connoisseur, this soup was delicious. I added zucchini and kale to this soup and it was amazing. For the cream i added a little bit of unsweetened coconut cream,. i take a can of unsweetened coconut milk and put in the refrigerator and scoop the cream off the top. Thanks for sharing πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 11, 2023 at 11:24 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Debra Jacobs
    Jan 22, 2023 at 11:35 am

    We dont have that kind of sausage here is it just like mince ground up meat so can I use ground beef or chicken?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jan 22, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Yes, it’s like minced meat, but it’s ground pork with seasonings, herbs, and spices. But yes, you can definitely use minced beef or chicken.

      Reply
  • Josi
    Feb 5, 2023 at 1:18 pm

    This was ammmmazing! The flavors were pefect and it was so good. Not too difficult but did go the extra step and prepare dried cannelli beans and oven roasted the squash before starting. It turned out so delicious!

    Reply
  • Carrie
    Sep 9, 2023 at 7:59 am

    Looks great! Have you ever tried freezing it?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Sep 9, 2023 at 12:07 pm

      Yes! To freeze it, transfer the soup to freezer bags or airtight freezer containers, and it will keep good for 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

      Reply
  • Karen
    Sep 10, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    It was delicious-thank you!

    Reply

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