If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, this Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo is exactly what you need. The butternut squash adds a natural sweetness that blends perfectly with the creamy, savory sauce and tender orzo pasta. It’s like comfort food with a touch of elegance—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself after a long day or preparing something special for friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
Versatile: It’s an amazing standalone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or a fresh salad on the side. It’s perfect for both casual meals and elegant gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: With a few pantry staples, you can make a dish that feels luxurious. Butternut squash is affordable and seasonal, making it a great choice when you want to eat well without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: This dish is simple enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to impress guests. The creamy sauce comes together easily, and the orzo cooks up in no time.
Customizable: You can add herbs like thyme or sage for a fragrant twist, or throw in some spinach for extra greens. Feel free to adjust it to fit your personal tastes!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a rich, flavorful dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, the creamy texture is irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash: Roasted until tender, the butternut squash adds a velvety texture and natural sweetness that makes this dish so comforting.
Orzo: This small pasta shape soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you that nice bite and satisfying texture.
Cream: Heavy cream creates the smooth, luscious sauce that ties everything together.
Garlic: Sautéed garlic gives a savory kick and adds depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
Vegetable Broth: For a flavorful base and to add some savory richness without being too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that salty, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash and enriches the cream sauce.
Olive Oil: To roast the butternut squash and sauté the garlic—helps everything come together beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Sage or thyme bring a fragrant, earthy note to the dish that complements the sweetness of the squash.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the squash roast evenly and caramelize just right.
Roast the Butternut Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook the Orzo: While the squash is roasting, cook the orzo in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the roasted squash and vegetable broth, letting it simmer for a few minutes. Then, use a fork or potato masher to mash some of the squash to create a chunky sauce.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook until everything is well combined and heated through. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Finishing Touches: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (thyme or sage) to taste. Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo
Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside some grilled chicken for a complete, satisfying meal.
Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into that luscious creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the creaminess and the savory flavors of the dish.
Additional Tips
Roast the Squash Until Caramelized: Don’t rush the roasting process—the caramelization adds sweetness and depth to the squash.
Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add a little extra parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage or thyme really bring out the earthy notes of the squash and elevate the dish.
For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream longer before adding the orzo.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting.
Q2: Can I use another type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the orzo for another small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you prefer.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little added cream or broth.
Q4: Can I make this dish vegan?
A4: Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan parmesan as a substitute for the cheese.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While the orzo will freeze okay, the creamy sauce may separate. I recommend freezing the sauce and orzo separately, then combining when reheating.
Q6: How can I make this spicier?
A6: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Yes, feel free to add in spinach, kale, or even mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
Q8: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A8: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the squash and orzo in advance, then combine them with the cream sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Q9: What other cheeses can I use?
A9: Pecorino Romano or goat cheese both add a nice depth of flavor in place of parmesan.
Q10: How can I add protein to this dish?
A10: Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even crispy bacon make delicious additions to this creamy orzo.
Conclusion
There you have it! Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo, the ultimate comfort dish that’s as cozy as it is creamy. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor from the roasted squash and parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, this dish will definitely hit the spot. I hope you enjoy making and savoring every bite!
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo is a comforting and delicious dish featuring roasted squash, tender orzo, and a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect autumn-inspired meal for cozy nights, with the right balance of savory and creamy goodness
Ingredients
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1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup fresh spinach
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
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Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
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Roast the Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
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Cook the Orzo: In a large pan, cook orzo with vegetable broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 10-12 minutes). Add more broth if needed.
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Make it Creamy: Once orzo is cooked, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
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Assemble: Fold in the roasted butternut squash and gently combine. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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For a vegan option, use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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You can also add some roasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg