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