Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing the ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and efficient:

• Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes).
• Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Measure out the orzo, broth, and cream.
• Wash and chop the spinach into smaller pieces if desired.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.

• Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully browned and no longer pink. The sausage will release its oils, which will add flavor to the soup base.
• Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. You can leave some of the rendered fat in the pot for flavor, or drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner soup.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

• The onions and garlic will pick up any flavorful bits left from the sausage, adding richness to the soup.

Step 4: Add the Butternut Squash

Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Let the squash cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly soften and begin caramelizing.

• This step helps bring out the natural sweetness of the squash, which will balance beautifully with the savory sausage and broth.

Step 5: Add the Broth, Seasonings, and Orzo

Once the squash has had time to soften, add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version) to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Once boiling, add the orzo pasta to the soup. Stir well and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo and squash are tender and the pasta is cooked through.

Step 6: Add the Sausage Back to the Soup

Once the orzo and squash are cooked, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

• Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Add the heavy cream to the soup, stirring to incorporate it into the broth. This will create a creamy, rich texture and bring everything together.

• Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring as you go, and let it wilt into the soup. This should take just 2-3 minutes. The spinach will add a vibrant green color and an earthy flavor to complement the sweetness of the butternut squash and the richness of the sausage.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.

• Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Orzo Soup

• Adjust the texture: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or water. For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of liquid or add more orzo.
• Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian version: For a meat-free version, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or use extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits. To store, let the soup cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Orzo Soup with Butternut Squash and Spinach is a deliciously comforting dish that combines savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, sweet butternut squash, and earthy spinach in a creamy broth. This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, a hearty lunch, or meal prep for the week. With just the right balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of this creamy, satisfying soup that’s full of flavor and perfect for any time of year!