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Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

Savory Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

This Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach is a comforting and easy dinner option packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta substitute with ditalini, fusilli, or shells as desired
For the Main Dish
  • 1 medium Butternut Squash peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil any neutral oil can be substituted
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 pound Sausage (Chicken or Turkey) for vegetarian, swap with plant-based sausage or extra black beans
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin can be swapped for smoked paprika
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach kale or Swiss chard can be used as a replacement
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast substitutes well for dairy-free
  • to taste Fresh Parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in the ground cumin and cook for an additional minute. Add the black beans and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, then add the cooked orzo and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 14gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This dish is gluten-friendly and can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

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