Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash – Cozy 45-Minute Dinner

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash combines tender orzo, sweet roasted butternut squash, wilted spinach, and Parmesan in a rich, creamy dish. The squash is roasted with olive oil and simple herbs before being combined with cooked orzo, spinach, and heavy cream. Finished with melted Parmesan, this butternut squash orzo makes a cozy main dish for a weeknight dinner or a gathering when you want something comforting and satisfying with straightforward preparation.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 400 per serving
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Method: Baking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and comforting: Heavy cream and Parmesan give the orzo a rich finish.
• Roasted butternut squash: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.
• Fresh spinach: Wilted spinach adds a fresh element to the creamy pasta.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and seasonings.
• Easy enough for dinner: The preparation combines roasting, cooking the orzo, and a quick skillet finish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces fresh spinach
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash

1. Roast the butternut squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Spread the seasoned squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender.

2. Cook the orzo

While the squash roasts, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a pot.

Add the orzo and cook according to the package directions, approximately 8–10 minutes.

Drain the cooked orzo and set it aside.

3. Wilt the spinach

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.

4. Combine the orzo and squash

Stir the cooked orzo and roasted butternut squash into the skillet with the spinach.

Add the heavy cream and cook for 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through.

5. Add the Parmesan

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Season to taste with additional salt and black pepper.

Serve warm.

Important Cooking Tips

• Cut the squash into cubes: Keeping the pieces cubed allows them to roast evenly.
• Line the baking sheet: The recipe calls for parchment paper before roasting the squash.
• Watch the roasting time: Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the squash is tender.
• Cook the orzo according to its package: The supplied recipe gives an approximate cooking time of 8–10 minutes.
• Add the Parmesan at the end: Stir it in after the orzo, squash, spinach, and cream have been heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this orzo creamy?

The recipe uses ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. The cream is stirred into the cooked orzo, roasted squash, and wilted spinach before the Parmesan is melted into the dish.

Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes. The recipe specifically calls for 4 ounces of fresh spinach, which is wilted in a skillet for 2–3 minutes.

How long does the butternut squash roast?

The cubed squash roasts at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, until tender.

How long does the orzo take to cook?

The orzo is cooked in boiling vegetable broth according to package directions, with the recipe giving an approximate cooking time of 8–10 minutes.

How many servings does this recipe make?

The recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Final Thoughts

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash is a cozy combination of creamy pasta, sweet roasted squash, fresh spinach, and melted Parmesan. The roasted squash adds a flavorful contrast to the creamy orzo, while the simple preparation keeps the recipe approachable for a 45-minute dinner or a comforting meal to share.

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