Looking for a cozy, hearty soup that’s full of flavor? This Creamy Butternut Squash and Beef Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach is the perfect comfort meal. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nourishing ingredients like tender butternut squash, savory beef sausage, and vibrant spinach. The addition of orzo makes it extra satisfying, making this soup a complete meal in a bowl!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The blended butternut squash creates a velvety, smooth base.
- Hearty and Filling: Protein-packed beef sausage and orzo make this a full meal.
- Simple & Flavorful: A one-pot dish that’s easy to make but tastes gourmet.
- Nutrient-Packed: Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins, and spinach adds a fresh, healthy touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Beef Sausage (12 oz, sliced or crumbled)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Butternut Squash (4 cups, peeled and cubed)
- Carrots (2 medium, chopped)
- Chicken or Beef Broth (4 cups)
- Heavy Cream (½ cup)
- Orzo Pasta (¾ cup)
- Baby Spinach (2 cups)
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional for warmth)
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash and Beef Sausage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Beef Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the beef sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Simmer the Butternut Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Creamy
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, work in batches and be careful with hot liquids.)
Step 5: Add the Orzo & Beef Sausage
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the cooked beef sausage and orzo. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt for about 2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Serving Ideas
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
- Serve with a toasted baguette or garlic bread.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little spice.
Tips for the Best Soup
- Use Fresh Butternut Squash: It gives the soup the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
- For Extra Creaminess: Blend in an extra splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and omit the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap beef sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding extra broth if needed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Butternut Squash and Beef Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, cozy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 580mg
Creamy Butternut Squash and Beef Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Looking for a cozy, hearty soup that’s full of flavor? This Creamy Butternut Squash and Beef Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach is the perfect comfort meal. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nourishing ingredients like tender butternut squash, savory beef sausage, and vibrant spinach. The addition of orzo makes it extra satisfying, making this soup a complete meal in a bowl!
Want more comforting recipes like this? Subscribe now to get the best meals delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Beef Sausage (12 oz, sliced or crumbled)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Butternut Squash (4 cups, peeled and cubed)
- Carrots (2 medium, chopped)
- Chicken or Beef Broth (4 cups)
- Heavy Cream (½ cup)
- Orzo Pasta (¾ cup)
- Baby Spinach (2 cups)
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional for warmth)
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the beef sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Simmer the Butternut Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Creamy
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, work in batches and be careful with hot liquids.)
Step 5: Add the Orzo & Beef Sausage
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the cooked beef sausage and orzo. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt for about 2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Butternut Squash: It gives the soup the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
- For Extra Creaminess: Blend in an extra splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and omit the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
