Description
Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup is a 30-minute, one-pot meal that combines spicy sausage, tender squash, orzo, spinach, and cream for a rich and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
15 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
1 tbsp fresh thyme (leaves only)
Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 cup orzo, uncooked
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups chicken stock
10 oz butternut squash, peeled and cubed
5 oz fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add crumbled Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly to break up the sausage.
- Once the sausage starts to brown and release its juices, stir in the uncooked orzo and minced garlic. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast slightly.
- Next, pour in the chicken stock and toss in the cubed butternut squash. Stir well, cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes or until the orzo and squash are tender.
- Add the fresh spinach, cover the pot again, and allow the spinach to wilt on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with additional chicken stock or water if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Notes
Swap orzo with small pasta or rice.
Use mild sausage to reduce spice.
Add more broth if soup thickens on standing.
Blending a portion makes it even creamier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 531
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 22g