Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach
A comforting fall dish that combines roasted butternut squash, black beans, orzo pasta, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, creating a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 medium Butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 8 ounces Orzo pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
- Incorporate the diced butternut squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the butternut squash until tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil water with a pinch of salt and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain once done.
- Add the drained black beans and spinach to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Mix in the cooked orzo with the vegetable and sausage mixture, stir gently, and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding firm tofu or additional black beans for protein.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4g
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