Dive into the heartwarming world of creamy butternut squash and spinach soup. With its rich, velvety texture and an array of flavors that dance on your palate, this soup is an embodiment of autumn’s coziness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Butternut Squash and Spinach Soup:
- Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for Italian sausage, either encased or crumbled. If encased, simply remove the casings before cooking. If you like some heat, you can use hot sausage here as well!
- Be Spice-Savvy: Enhance your soup’s flavor profile with Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Garlic Matters: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic burst. If you’re out of fresh garlic, a teaspoon and a half of garlic powder will work well.
- Budget-Friendly Substitutes: Use bouillon and water instead of chicken stock or broth to save money without compromising flavor.
- Smart Ingredient Choices: Make the most of pantry items and budget-friendly finds. Leftover orzo and clearance butternut squash can make this soup both delicious and economical.
- Simmering Savvy: Adjust your cooking time to ensure that the orzo and butternut squash are perfectly cooked. A brief simmer of 5-10 minutes will do. Just check the orzo and see if it’s done!
- Creamy Finish: Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese elevate the soup’s texture and flavor. These additions create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach is an excellent choice for added nutrition and vibrant color. It wilts quickly, so stir it in and simmer for just a couple of minutes.
With these tips in your culinary arsenal, your butternut squash and spinach soup will be a masterpiece of flavor, comfort, and savings. Enjoy the delightful journey of creating this heartwarming dish!
For more soup recipes check out these videos:
MORE SOUP RECIPES TO TRY
- 7 Can Soup (Just dump n go in the slow cooker!)
- Panera Bread Copycat Turkey Chili Recipe
- Chicken and Corn Chowder! (You’ll be shocked you can make this one with pantry ingredients!)
Creamy Butternut Squash and Spinach Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of creamy butternut squash and sausage soup, a hearty and budget-friendly dish perfect for fall. This flavorful soup combines Italian sausage, orzo, butternut squash, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. It’s a spoonful of comfort and a must-try for chilly autumn days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed (or use crumbled sausage)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 5 cups chicken stock (or use broth or bouillon)
- 10 ounces cubed butternut squash
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add uncooked orzo and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock (or broth/bouillon) and add cubed butternut squash. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until orzo and butternut squash are cooked through.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and the soup is creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and comforting creamy butternut squash and sausage soup!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
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