Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This higher temperature helps caramelize the vegetables, deepening their natural sweetness.
Spread the butternut squash, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic cloves evenly across the baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd — giving the vegetables space allows them to roast instead of steam.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the vegetables. Sprinkle on the sage, thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together, making sure each piece is lightly coated in oil and seasonings.
Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and starting to brown at the edges. The squash should be soft enough to mash easily with a fork, and the onions should be golden and fragrant.
Carefully transfer the roasted veggies to a regular blender or high-speed blender (or use an immersion blender directly in a pot). Pour in the chicken stock and blend on high until the soup is smooth and velvety. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
Optional: Add ½–1 cup pureed cottage cheese at this stage and blend again until fully incorporated. This will create a richer, protein-packed soup.
If the soup is too thick, add more broth or a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pour the blended soup into a large pot or Dutch oven. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and ready to serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a pinch of salt or a dash of crushed red pepper can brighten the flavor just before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a sprinkle of goat cheese crumbles and a few fresh thyme leaves. For a finishing touch, drizzle with olive oil or a swirl of cream if desired.