Introduction
As the cooler months roll in, nothing hits the spot like a warm, hearty soup. This Creamy Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Soup brings together the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage, butternut squash, and tender orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home or when you need a satisfying, comforting dish to share with family and friends. This soup is both flavorful and nourishing, with a balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness in every spoonful.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
If you’re looking for a quick and easy soup that’s both comforting and satisfying, this recipe is for you. With minimal prep and only one pot required, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes! The spicy Italian sausage brings a delightful kick, while the creamy broth mellows everything out, making it the perfect balance of flavors. And let’s not forget the addition of butternut squash, which adds a subtle sweetness and heartiness to the dish. Plus, with the inclusion of fresh spinach, this soup is packed with nutrients, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 15 oz spicy Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (no sprigs)
- 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
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Sausage
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and add the spicy Italian sausage. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently as the sausage cooks, allowing it to brown and release its flavorful juices. This forms the base of your soup, infusing the broth with rich, meaty flavors.
2. Toast the Orzo and Garlic
Once the sausage is halfway cooked through, add the uncooked orzo and minced garlic to the pan. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo and develop the garlic’s aroma. This step deepens the flavor of the orzo and prevents it from becoming mushy as the soup simmers.
3. Simmer with Stock and Squash
Pour in 5 cups of chicken stock and add the cubed butternut squash. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the orzo and squash are tender. The squash will soften and add a velvety texture to the soup while the orzo absorbs the savory broth.
4. Add Spinach
Once the orzo and squash are fully cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Cover the pot and allow the spinach to wilt, stirring occasionally. This adds a burst of color and nutrients, making the soup not only hearty but also healthful.
5. Finish with Cream
After the spinach has wilted, remove the soup from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The cream gives the soup a silky texture and balances the heat from the sausage and red pepper flakes. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly shaved, shredded, or grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra fresh thyme for garnish and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting bowl of goodness.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board for preparing the vegetables
- Grater for the Parmesan cheese
Tips and Shortcuts
- Time Saver: To speed up prep time, you can buy pre-cut butternut squash from the store. Most grocery stores carry cubed butternut squash in the produce section.
- More Spice: If you love spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer soup, you can add ½ cup of shredded Parmesan directly into the soup when you stir in the heavy cream.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or rice to make this dish gluten-free.
- Cheese Variations: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
Food and Drink Pairings
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread to soak up all the creamy broth. For drinks, enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complement the richness of the cream and the savory sausage. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing lemon iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon would pair perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked Italian sausage. Simply slice it and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to heat through.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While the soup itself freezes well, keep in mind that the orzo may absorb some of the broth and become softer after freezing. To prevent this, you can cook the orzo separately and add it in when reheating the soup.
Q: What can I use instead of butternut squash?
A: If butternut squash isn’t available, you can substitute it with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a similar texture and flavor.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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Creamy Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Soup!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Indulge in this cozy Creamy Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Soup, a rich and hearty dish perfect for warming up during cooler days!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings