Description
Cozy up with this Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach—a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that’s creamy, savory, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add cubed butternut squash, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until squash is tender.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Return sausage to the pot, then stir in spinach until wilted.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use pre-cut butternut squash to save prep time.
- For creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Cook orzo separately if planning to store leftovers, to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes