Description
Hearty butternut squash and sausage soup delivers comfort from Italian kitchens with savory depth and rich texture. Warm spices and creamy puree invite you to savor each spoonful of this rustic winter classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz (425 g) spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 10 oz (283 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
- 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 mL) orzo, uncooked
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 mL) heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Sear and Season: In a large saucepan, brown Italian sausage over medium heat with Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Crumble meat thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Toast and Develop: Add orzo and garlic to the sausage, toasting for 2 minutes to create a golden, nutty profile while releasing aromatic essences.
- Simmer and Infuse: Pour chicken stock over the mixture, integrate butternut squash, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until orzo and squash become tender and flavors meld completely.
- Wilt and Combine: Spread spinach leaves across the surface, cover, and allow to wilt naturally. Gently stir to ensure even distribution and harmonious flavor integration.
- Finish and Adjust: Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Thin with additional chicken stock if needed, and enhance with extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle into serving bowls, generously top with grated Parmesan and fresh thyme leaves, creating a visually stunning and aromatic culinary presentation.
Notes
- Sear Like a Pro: Break down sausage into small, even pieces to maximize caramelization and release deep, complex flavors during initial cooking stage.
- Orzo Toasting Technique: Lightly toast orzo for precisely 2 minutes to develop a golden color and enhance its natural nutty undertones without burning.
- Liquid Balance Matters: Monitor soup’s consistency by adding extra chicken stock if too thick, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that coats the palate perfectly.
- Spinach Wilting Secret: Add spinach leaves last and cover briefly, allowing gentle heat to soften greens while preserving vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg