Description
A delightful and creamy dish made with orzo pasta and roasted butternut squash, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta (1 cup)
- Butternut squash (2 cups, peeled and diced)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Vegetable broth (3 cups)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup) or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated, optional)
- Sage (1 teaspoon, dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Spinach (2 cups, fresh, optional for added nutrition)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sage, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet, along with the cooked orzo. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream (or coconut milk), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- If using, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Feel free to add additional herbs for flavor, such as thyme or rosemary.
- This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Roasting and sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg