Description

Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender orzo pasta and sweet, roasted butternut squash in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, this vibrant and satisfying recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta

Butternut Squash

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Creamy Sauce

1 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped

Herbs and Seasoning

1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash: Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until the squash is golden and tender, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Cook the Orzo Pasta: While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Sauté Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt, warming gently without boiling. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the roasted butternut squash and cooked orzo to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finish by stirring in fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste, melding all the flavors together.

Notes

Cut the butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting without burning.
Reserve some orzo cooking water to thin the sauce if needed and to improve sauce adherence.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
Cook orzo al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Add fresh herbs right before serving to keep their bright aroma and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting and Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: creamy orzo, roasted butternut squash, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, fall recipe, cozy meal