Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Orzo Soup creates an irresistible comfort meal for chilly weather.
The combination of savory Italian sausage with sweet butternut squash creates magic in every spoonful.
The orzo adds that perfect bite to complement the flavors.
Cream transforms everything into a velvety dream that warms from the inside out.
A secret ingredient takes this soup from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butternut squash
- Chicken broth
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh spinach
- Cream or Coconut milk
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Recommended Tools
Having the right kitchen tools on hand makes preparing this Butternut Squash Sausage Orzo Soup so much easier and more enjoyable. The right equipment helps you chop, simmer and blend your way to a delicious meal without any frustrating kitchen mishaps along the way.
- Large Soup Pot:
Essential for browning sausage, sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup to perfection.
- Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of dicing butternut squash, chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Wooden Spoon:
Perfect for stirring the soup and preventing the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you add the right amounts of broth, orzo and cream for the perfect soup consistency.
- Cutting Board:
Provides a stable surface for prepping all your vegetables and ingredients.
- Immersion Blender:
Super handy for partially pureeing the soup right in the pot for that extra creamy texture mentioned in the tips.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Start by grabbing a large pot and browning 1 lb of Italian sausage until it’s perfectly crumbled and cooked through. Once it’s done, scoop it out and set it aside – we’ll come back to this deliciousness later!
In the same pot (hello, flavor!), add a splash of olive oil and toss in 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent – your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Add 3 cups of diced butternut squash to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 12-15 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork.
Once your squash is tender, toss in 1/2 cup of orzo pasta. This tiny pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it – about 8 minutes should do the trick!
Ready for the final stretch? Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, then add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option). Watch as the spinach magically wilts into the soup, creating beautiful green ribbons throughout!
Season your creation with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Want a pro tip? Use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup – this creates an incredibly creamy texture while still leaving chunky bits for that perfect bite!
Serve your soup piping hot in big bowls, and prepare for the compliments to roll in! This cozy meal is perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and filling to brighten your day!
Pro Tips
For a smoother, creamier soup without changing the ingredients, use an immersion blender to partially purée about one-third of the soup after the butternut squash is tender but before adding the orzo and remaining ingredients.
This quick step creates a silky texture while maintaining some delightful chunks for contrast.
Substitutions & Variations
This versatile soup welcomes creative adaptations that transform its flavor profile, cooking method or dietary compatibility while maintaining its comforting essence.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and double the vegetables, adding mushrooms sautéed with smoked paprika for umami depth and a meat-like texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute rice, quinoa or gluten-free small pasta shapes for the orzo while increasing cooking time accordingly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for richness without dairy.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes while browning the sausage and stir in a tablespoon of harissa paste with the broth for heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Incorporate fresh sage and thyme instead of Italian seasoning, finishing with fresh basil just before serving.
- Meal Prep Version: Prepare everything except pasta, cream and spinach, then add these ingredients when reheating for optimal texture.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Because this hearty butternut squash soup stores exceptionally well, you’ll want to master proper storage techniques to enjoy it for days beyond your initial serving.
Let this soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers—they’ll keep in your fridge for up to 4 days!
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
Try Tonight
Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach
A hearty soup combining Italian sausage, butternut squash, orzo pasta and fresh spinach in a creamy broth.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced butternut squash
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning to taste
- Brown sausage in a pot; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add butternut squash and broth; simmer 12–15 minutes until squash is tender.
- Add orzo; cook until tender (~8 minutes).
- Stir in spinach, cooked sausage, and cream; cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; serve warm.
