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