Description
Warm up with this hearty Roasted Butternut, Chicken Sausage & Spinach Soup that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, savory chicken sausage, and fresh spinach in a comforting, nourishing bowl. This easy-to-make soup offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavors, ideal for a wholesome lunch, dinner, or meal prep on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Protein
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, bringing out the natural sweetness.
- Cook the Chicken Sausage: While the squash is roasting, slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the sausage until fully cooked and browned on the edges, releasing savory juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, infusing the base with fragrant warmth and layering the soup’s flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the squash is roasted, add it to the pot along with chicken broth and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted to preserve its bright color and nutrients. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for heartiness.
Notes
- Cut squash cubes uniformly to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Do not skip browning the sausage as it develops essential savory flavor.
- Use quality chicken broth for a richer, more flavorful soup.
- Add spinach at the end to keep its bright color and fresh texture.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters and ensure safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: roasted butternut squash soup, chicken sausage soup, spinach soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, comforting soup, easy soup recipe
