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Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage Delight

This Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach is a nutritious, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 470

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 2 cups orzo pasta a delightful base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For the Protein
  • 1 pound sausage (chicken or turkey works well), casings removed
For the Beans & Greens
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
For the Finishing Touches
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 whole lemon juice

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
  5. Stir in the ground cumin and cook for about a minute. Then, add the black beans and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
  6. Introduce the roasted butternut squash to the skillet, gently folding it into the sausage mixture. Stir in the cooked orzo and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture, taste, and adjust with extra salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 18000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Roast butternut squash evenly for best caramelization. Cook orzo al dente to avoid mushiness. Adjust seasonings gradually for optimal flavor balance.

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