Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of butternut squash puree complements the savory Italian sausage, creating a harmonious and delightful taste.
- Creamy Texture: Orzo pasta cooked to perfection absorbs the creamy sauce, offering a luscious and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh thyme and sage add aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Quick and Easy: With pre-made butternut squash puree, this meal comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 8 oz uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for about 4 minutes on one side without turning, to brown. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: To the skillet with sausage, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, and butternut squash puree. Add chopped sage and thyme. Simmer gently, stirring, until the sauce is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add cooked orzo to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash and sausage sauce. Mix to combine over medium heat for about 2 minutes to integrate the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
- Different Proteins: Substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage to suit your preference.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
What is orzo?
Orzo is a short-cut pasta resembling long-grain rice in shape. It is made from flour, like usual pasta, often using semolina (durum wheat).
Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?
Yes, store-bought butternut squash puree can be used to save time. Ensure it’s plain puree without added spices or sugars.
How do I make homemade butternut squash puree?
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a butternut squash in half, remove seeds, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes until tender. Scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. For best texture, it’s recommended to consume it fresh or refrigerated.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet) works well. Choose based on your heat preference.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top before serving can enhance the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness of the orzo.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While orzo is recommended for its rice-like texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can be used as substitutes.
Conclusion
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting meal. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage is a quick and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners or weeknight meals, this recipe is ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 8 oz uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, and butternut squash puree. Add sage and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
- Combine: Mix cooked orzo into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian