This Pumpkin Orzo with Mushrooms and Browned Sausage is a comforting, autumn-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cosy dinner. Roasted pumpkin and onions are blended into a creamy sauce, then combined with tender orzo and topped with earthy mushrooms and crispy sausage. With hints of sage and thyme, this recipe brings together seasonal flavours in a hearty, satisfying meal. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a new favourite.
Recipe & photo: Apron&Whisk | Yesenia Consoli
Ingredients
- 400g pumpkin
- 1white onion
- 2tbsp olive oil
- 800ml chicken stock
- 250g orzo
- 25g parmesan cheese
- 30g butter
- fresh thyme sprigs and sage leaves
- 2 Italian sausages
- 200g oyster mushrooms or shiitake, button, cremini etc
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/390°F. On a baking sheet, drizzle the pumpkin and onion with olive oil. Add the fresh herbs and roast everything for about 30 minutes until the pumpkin is fork tender.
- While the vegetables are cooking. In a large pot, over medium heat, cook the orzo in the chicken stock according to the package instructions.
- In a large pan, cook the sausage and crumble. Cook through and let the sausage brown slightly with crispy bits. Set aside.
- In a large pan, cook the mushrooms in plenty of butter and sage leaves. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat, until the mushrooms have a nice brown colour. Set aside.
- When the pumpkin is done roasting, place it in the blender together with the roasted onion. Blend until you have a smooth sauce. Add some chicken stock, used to cook the orzo in, to get a smoother sauce.
- In a large pan, combine the pumpkin sauce and the orzo. Cook for a few minutes. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed turn off the heat. Add the butter and Parmesan cheese and mix vigorously.
- Serve the orzo immediately and top it with the crumbled sausage and the mushrooms. Add some extra herbs on top and enjoy!
