Description
Creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table, blending nutty pasta with caramelized squash. Herbs and parmesan elevate this simple dish, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach, fresh
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even roasting.
- Coat diced butternut squash with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper, then distribute evenly across the baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges caramelize and pieces become tender and golden.
- Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook orzo until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the orzo thoroughly and set aside, ensuring no excess water remains.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until it becomes aromatic and lightly golden.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring quickly until leaves wilt and become vibrant green.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes rich and fully integrated.
- Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash and cooked orzo, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Notes
- Choose firm, evenly sized butternut squash cubes for consistent roasting and beautiful presentation.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess.
- Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor enhancement.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create a silky, perfectly coated dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg