Description
Warm, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Healthy Creamy Butternut Squash and Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With tender squash, vibrant spinach, and savory sausage, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 10 oz butternut squash, cubed
- 5 oz fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic, Italian herbs, and thyme to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Build the Base: Add butternut squash and stir. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes until squash is tender.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in orzo pasta and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until the spinach wilts.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sausage to the pot. Stir well and ladle into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Freeze the soup before adding cream and spinach for best results. Add these ingredients upon reheating.
- Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American