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!
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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