As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a mosaic of warm hues, there’s an undeniable urge to embrace the comfort of hearty, home-cooked meals. Enter my Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup—a dish that encapsulates the essence of fall with its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. The savory Italian chicken sausage mingles beautifully with tender butternut squash and vibrant kale, creating a delightful harmony that warms not just your body, but your spirit.

This recipe is perfect for those cool evenings when all you crave is something comforting yet packed with nutrients. It’s versatile too—feel free to swap in your favorite type of sausage or greens for a personal touch. The smoky undertones from the paprika elevate each spoonful, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as good for you as it is delectable. Whether you’re serving it alongside crusty bread for family supper or batch-cooking for cozy lunches, this soup is bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and whip up this heartwarming bowl of goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup

Comforting Warmth: This soup is the definition of a comforting hug on a chilly day, making it perfect for cozy evenings at home.
Nutrient-Packed: With butternut squash and kale, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal—you’re nourishing your body with vital nutrients.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the sausage or greens, making it a fun and versatile dish for any palate.
Quick and Easy: Whipping this up takes minimal time, so busy weekday cooking becomes a breeze.
Crowd-Pleasing: Your family and friends will be thrilled, as its heartwarming flavors and satisfying textures appeal to all!
Try it paired with warm, crusty bread for a delightful dining experience!

Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup Ingredients

For the Soup
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
• Onion (any color) – Provides sweetness and flavor base; can use shallots for a milder taste.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing ingredients; substitute with vegetable oil or butter if needed.
• Mild Italian Chicken Sausages (12 oz) – Main protein offering rich flavor; can substitute with spicy Italian, pork, turkey sausage, or Kielbasa for variations.
• Butternut Squash (1 large) – Gives soup body and a hint of sweetness; other winter squashes can be used as a substitute.
• Kale (3 packed cups, chopped) – Adds nutritional value and texture; any hearty green such as spinach or Swiss chard can be used.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth (4 ½ cups) – Forms the soup base; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor with a smoky touch; can substitute with regular paprika for less smokiness.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – Provides a blend of herbs; omit if using fresh herbs.
• Red Wine Vinegar (1 Tbsp) – Balances flavors with acidity; can swap with apple cider vinegar.
• Honey (1 Tbsp or sweetener of choice) – Adds sweetness; can omit or replace with maple syrup.
• Kosher Salt (½ tsp) and Pepper (½ tsp) – Seasoning to taste; adjust according to preference.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, optional) – Finishing touch that enriches the soup; use any cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup

Prep Butternut Squash: Peel, seed, and cut your butternut squash into uniform chunks. This helps ensure even cooking, allowing each piece to soften beautifully and release its natural sweetness.
Sauté Sausage: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. This step adds a savory depth to your soup; then, set the sausage aside.
Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. You’ll know you’re ready when your kitchen is filled with a comforting aroma!
Add Squash and Seasoning: Stir in the butternut squash chunks along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes until the squash starts to soften slightly.
Simmer: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the pot to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and cover, letting it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully together.
Final Additions: After simmering, stir in the chopped kale, cooked sausage, red wine vinegar, and honey. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and vibrant.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot alongside crusty bread for a complete meal!

Optional: Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup

Uniform Chunks: Ensure your butternut squash is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking—this guarantees that every bite is perfectly tender.
Sausage Selection: Opt for smoked sausages to enhance the soup’s overall flavor. Experimenting with spicy or herb-infused sausages can also elevate your dish.
Deglaze if Necessary: If you notice ingredients starting to stick to the pot, add a splash of broth to deglaze, ensuring you capture those tasty bits at the bottom.
Storing Leftovers: After serving, store any leftover chunky butternut squash sausage soup in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for future meals.
Adding Greens: Feel free to switch out kale for other hearty greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for a different flavor profile while keeping your soup nutritious.

How to Store and Freeze Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup

Fridge: Store leftover chunky butternut squash sausage soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the containers for easy meal prep later.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts until hot throughout.

Airtight Storage: Make sure any containers used for freezing are airtight to prevent freezer burn, preserving that delightful flavor and texture.

What to Serve with Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup?

Warm up your dining experience with delightful complements that enhance the heartiness of this nourishing soup.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: This bread’s rustic, chewy texture is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery flavor provides a savory contrast, making each bite a luxurious indulgence.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and a refreshing crunch to balance the soup’s robust flavors. Toss in some olives or cherry tomatoes for color.
Cheesy Breadsticks: These cheesy delights are not only fun to eat but also deliciously cheesy, making them a perfect counterpart to the savory notes of the soup.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, their caramelized crunch provides a delightful textural contrast while echoing the earthy flavor of the butternut squash.
Apple Crisp for Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with warm apple crisp. The cinnamon and nutmeg will resonate with the fall flavors of the soup, leaving everyone satisfied.
Warm Mulled Cider: A gentle warmth from spices like cinnamon and anise elevates the experience, offering a seasonal drink option that pairs beautifully.
Feta and Olive Tapenade: This rich and tangy topping on crackers complements the soup while bringing Mediterranean flair to the table.

Each of these options is crafted to do more than merely accompany your Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup; they add layers of comfort and joy to your meal!

Make Ahead Options

This Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the butternut squash and kale up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can sauté the sausage and aromatics, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients in the pot with the broth and continue cooking as directed. This way, you’ll save time during the busy week, and your soup will still be just as delicious and hearty, providing comforting warmth at mealtime.

Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup Variations

Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own—delight in the flavors, aromas, and textures that suit your taste!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sausages and vegetable broth to keep this dish hearty and enjoyable for everyone.
While gluten is often in processed meats and broth, choosing pure options ensures that no one is left out of the warm, comforting experience.
Spicy Kick: Swap standard sausages for spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra heat level.
This variation brightens the soup and brings an exciting flair to every spoonful, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something a little bolder!
Root Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots or sweet potatoes alongside the butternut squash for an earthy flavor explosion.
These tender additions not only enhance the soup’s sweetness but also add a vibrant splash of color to your bowl.
Protein-Packed: Using beans such as cannellini or chickpeas can transform the soup into a heartier, plant-based option.
This not only ups the protein but also brings a delightful creaminess that complements the squash beautifully.
Greens Galore: Experiment with other greens like spinach, arugula, or even Swiss chard for variety in taste and texture.
Each green brings its own unique character to the dish, creating a beautiful medley of flavors in every mouthful.
Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for an added richness that makes the soup luxuriously smooth.
The creaminess elevates the dish and balances the earthiness of the squash, making it irresistibly comforting.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh punch that lifts the flavors.
This final sprinkle of herbs not only adds a beautiful visual component but also invigorates the soup with aromatic clarity!
Zesty Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice brightens flavors and adds a refreshing finish to the hearty bowl.
This small twist takes the comforting dish to a new level, invigorating your taste buds and providing a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup.

Chunky Butternut Squash Sausage Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of butternut squash is best for this recipe?
For your chunky butternut squash sausage soup, choose a squash that feels firm and heavy for its size. Look for a squash with a smooth, unblemished skin; avoid any that have dark spots or soft areas. Medium-sized ones typically have that perfect balance of sweetness and texture when cooked!

How should I store chunky butternut squash sausage soup leftovers?
Absolutely! Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow the soup to cool down completely before sealing it to maintain its freshness. If you plan to store it longer, the freezer is your best friend!

Can I freeze chunky butternut squash sausage soup?
Yes, indeed! This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little room for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

What should I do if my soup is too thick?
If you find your soup is thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth a little at a time while stirring, until you reach your desired consistency. This will not only help thin it out but also enhance the flavor, making every spoonful as delightful as the first!

Are there any dietary considerations for this soup?
Certainly! This chunky butternut squash sausage soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring your sausage and broth are gluten-free. Additionally, you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the sausage for beans or lentils and using vegetable broth. Just be careful to check labels on pre-made ingredients for any allergens. Remember, everyone’s preferences and needs vary, so feel free to ask any questions!

What can I substitute if I don’t have kale?
Very! If kale isn’t your favorite or what you have on hand, you can substitute it with Swiss chard, collard greens, or even spinach. Just wilt the greens for a few minutes in the hot soup to preserve their color and nutrients. This way, you get to enjoy the health benefits while customizing the flavor!