Name: Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups vegetable broth; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach. This delightful meal brings together the sweet, nutty flavors of roasted butternut squash with creamy orzo pasta and vibrant spinach. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet quick to prepare, or even for family gatherings where everyone will gather around the table with smiles.

What I love most about this dish is how it beautifully balances rich textures and flavors. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a visual delight! With simple ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry or local store, this recipe is approachable and satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and sweet squash appeal to both kids and adults alike—everyone will enjoy digging into this bowl of goodness!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when needed, making meal prep stress-free.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted butternut squash, garlic, and creamy sauce delivers a flavor explosion in every bite.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is as healthy as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Here are a few fun variation ideas:

Add Protein: Toss in some chickpeas or cooked lentils for an extra boost of protein.
Swap the Greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, kale or Swiss chard work wonderfully too!
Change Up the Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños for a kick!

How to Make Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spreading them out on a baking sheet allows them to roast evenly. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This step brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step not only enhances the flavor but also creates a wonderful aroma in your kitchen.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta into the saucepan, allowing it to toast lightly for around 2 minutes. Toasting gives it a nutty flavor that elevates your dish even more.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), bringing it all to a simmer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally—you want everything to cook evenly while soaking up that delicious broth.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once your orzo is cooked through, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until melted together. Add chopped spinach next; cooking just until wilted keeps its vibrant color intact.

Step 6: Finish with Roasted Squash

Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm! Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color.

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach that’s ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Creating a delicious dish is all about those small touches that bring out the best flavors. Here are some tips to elevate your creamy orzo experience:

Choose the right squash: Opting for a smaller, sweeter butternut squash can enhance the flavor profile of your dish, making it more enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo: Toasting the orzo in butter before adding the broth adds a lovely nutty flavor, deepening the overall taste of your creamy creation.
Adjust creaminess to your liking: If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep it just as creamy without being overly rich.
Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or dill at the end can brighten up the dish and add an aromatic touch that complements the roasted squash beautifully.
Make it ahead of time: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.

How to Serve Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Presentation can make all the difference when serving your creamy orzo. Here are some delightful ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully:

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness that brightens up each bite.
Toasted pine nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts provides a delightful crunch and enhances the nuttiness of the dish.
Shaved Parmesan cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, adding freshly shaved Parmesan right before serving brings an extra layer of richness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: The perfect companion to any pasta dish, garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of your orzo.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of your main dish while adding freshness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and slight bitterness contrast nicely with the sweetness of butternut squash, creating a delightful harmony on your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and provides a nutrient-packed side that pairs perfectly with this hearty meal.

Enjoy every moment as you savor this Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a fantastic option for meal prep! It’s easy to make in advance, and the flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a delightful dish to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Portion out the orzo into freezer-safe containers.
Leave a bit of space at the top of each container for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
To avoid texture changes, it’s best to freeze without adding spinach until reheating.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or microwave on low power until warmed through.
If the orzo seems dry after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back creaminess.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan-friendly, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

What can I serve with Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach?

This creamy orzo pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a protein of your choice.

How do I know when the butternut squash is done roasting?

The squash is ready when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork. It should be slightly caramelized on the edges for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try this Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach! This dish not only warms your soul but also brings vibrant flavors to your table. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a meal prep option for busy days ahead, I’m sure you’ll love making it as much as I do. Enjoy every comforting bite!