Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage
Welcome to another delicious adventure in my kitchen! Today, we’re combining the earthy flavors of autumn with a creamy twist in this Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage recipe. It’s a perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you want something both comforting and satisfying. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that serves four and promises to leave you and your guests wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz orzo, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook Sausage:
- Start by slicing the sausage that you have removed from its casings. In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices to the skillet, letting them cook for about 4 minutes on one side until nicely browned. Then, flip the slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This method ensures your sausage is perfectly crisped.
- Make Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce:
- In the same skillet with the cooked sausage, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, butternut squash puree, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens nicely. Feel free to adjust the cooking time depending on how thick you prefer your sauce.
- Cook Orzo:
- While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 7 minutes for al dente. Drain the orzo once it’s cooked and set it aside.
- Assembly:
- Add the drained orzo into the skillet with the butternut squash sauce. Stir in half of the chopped sage and thyme, mixing everything thoroughly. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining sage and thyme over the top for a fresh, herbaceous note. This not only adds layers of flavor but also creates an appealing presentation.
Nutritional Information:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage is a fantastic meal that effortlessly bridges the gap between hearty and gourmet. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for your festive gatherings. Enjoy the robust flavors and creamy texture of this delightful dish tonight!
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a dish that combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the sweetness of butternut squash. This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a touch of freshness from sage and thyme, making it the ultimate comfort food for fall. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a comforting solo meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your autumn cravings.
Embrace the flavors of autumn with this delightful Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage. It’s a splendid mixture of textures and tastes, featuring creamy orzo pasta enriched with a rich butternut squash sauce and perfectly browned sausage pieces. Topped with fresh herbs, this dish not only warms your stomach but also your soul, making it a perfect addition to your fall recipe collection.
Ingredients
12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup butternut squash puree
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz orzo, uncooked
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook sausage: Remove the sausage from casings and slice. Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook for about 4 minutes on one side without turning, until browned. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Make creamy butternut squash sauce: To the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, butternut squash puree, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low-medium and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Adjust cooking time for desired sauce thickness.
Cook orzo: In a separate pot, bring water to boil and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Assembly: Combine cooked orzo with the sauce in the skillet. Stir in half of the sage and thyme. Cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with remaining herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal