Velvety Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage Recipe: Fall Magic

When autumn’s crisp breeze rolls in, this butternut squash orzo with sausage recipe becomes a comforting culinary embrace.

Hearty sausage mingles with the silky smoothness of roasted butternut squash, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, golden orzo absorbs every fragrant hint of herbs and spices, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

The tender sausage adds a robust depth that complements the creamy squash beautifully.

Textured, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this seasonal masterpiece that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of autumn’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Creamy Butternut Orzo with Sausage

• Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor with a crispy exterior that brings depth to the dish. Choose fresh Italian-style sausage for maximum taste impact.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid base that intensifies overall recipe complexity and enhances sauce consistency.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture that binds ingredients together. Select high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
• Butternut Squash Puree: Delivers smooth, sweet undertones and beautiful golden color. Opt for homemade or high-quality canned puree.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish's flavor profile. Use fresh cloves for most potent taste.

• Orzo: Serves as tender, pasta foundation that absorbs sauce beautifully. Select high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Sage, Thyme: Contribute earthy, herbaceous undertones that complement the creamy sauce. Use fresh herbs for brightest flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps create perfect searing conditions for sausage and prevents sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and heighten all existing flavors in the dish. Freshly ground pepper provides maximum taste impact.

Tools You’ll Need for Butternut Orzo Comfort Bowls

• Large, high-sided skillet: Essential for cooking sausage and preparing creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing sausage and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed to remove sausage casings and slice meat.
• Separate pot: Required for cooking orzo pasta to al dente.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Helpful for draining cooked orzo.
• Measuring cups: Useful for accurate liquid measurements.

How to Cook Creamy Sausage & Squash Orzo in One Pan

• Sausage Preparation

Carefully slice sausage out of its casing and create even pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, allowing sausage to develop a rich golden-brown color on each side.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Blend heavy cream, chicken broth, butternut squash puree, and minced garlic into the same skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer and transform into a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

• Pasta Perfection

Boil water and cook orzo until tender yet firm. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.

• Final Fusion

Gently fold orzo into the creamy sausage sauce. Sprinkle fragrant sage and thyme throughout the dish. Let everything mingle over gentle heat, allowing flavors to harmonize. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile. Finish by scattering remaining fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and aroma.

Make It Yours: Creamy Butternut Orzo Tips

• Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
• Cube and roast additional butternut squash chunks to add texture and intensify the seasonal vegetable element in the dish.
• Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano on top for a rich, salty finish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Prepare the sauce and sausage mixture in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then quickly reheat and combine with fresh orzo before serving.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra layer of warmth and complexity in the flavor profile.

Serve Up That Butternut Orzo with Cozy Flair

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Pair the creamy orzo with a crisp side salad of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Slice up a warm, rustic baguette or artisan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Top with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano over the orzo just before serving to enhance the savory flavors and add a delightful salty finish.
• Enjoy with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simply roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots to create a well-rounded and nutritious dinner plate.

Leftovers? Here’s How to Store Butternut Sausage Orzo

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Timeframe: Keep the creamy butternut squash orzo in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze for Later: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the dish's original texture and taste.

Velvety Butternut Squash Orzo With Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting butternut squash orzo with sausage blends Mediterranean flavors into a hearty one-pot meal. Italian sausage and roasted squash create a rich, satisfying dish you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz (340 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 10 oz (283 g) orzo, uncooked
• 1 cup butternut squash puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Sausage: Remove casing and slice sausage into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Sear Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add sausage slices, and cook until golden-brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 6 minutes total.
3. Create Sauce Base: To the same skillet, incorporate heavy cream, chicken broth, butternut squash puree, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Cook Orzo: In a separate pot, boil water and cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed.
5. Combine and Finish: Transfer orzo directly into the creamy sauce, add chopped sage and thyme. Stir gently over medium-high heat for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Slice Sausage Strategically: Cut sausage into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Control Skillet Heat: Use medium heat when browning sausage to develop a perfect golden crust without burning the meat.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce on low-medium heat to thicken naturally and prevent separation of cream-based ingredients.
• Pasta Water Preservation: Keep a small amount of reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed, ensuring a silky, smooth final texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg