Description
This Spaghetti Squash Soup with Sausage is a hearty, cozy, and flavorful dish featuring tender roasted spaghetti squash strands combined with savory Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, all simmered in a rich and comforting broth. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal during the fall and winter seasons, this soup brings both nourishment and warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Squash and Roasting
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds carefully. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Scrape Squash Strands: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Set aside these strands for use in the soup.
- Cook Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, then drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove.
- Combine Squash and Simmer: Add the spaghetti squash strands to the soup pot and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Greens (Optional): If using, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach or kale, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is warmed through.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of extra heat in your soup.
- The heavy cream is optional; omit it for a lighter, lower-fat version of the soup.
- The soup will thicken as it sits, so if reheating leftovers, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American