Ingredients
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup orzo pasta
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3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
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½ cup heavy cream
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2 cups baby spinach
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
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Fresh thyme or sage for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in a drizzle of olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
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Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Add the spinach and roasted butternut squash. Stir until the spinach wilts and the dish is creamy and luscious.
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Season to taste, garnish with fresh herbs if using, and serve warm!
Notes
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Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free!
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Add cooked chicken or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days — just add a splash of broth when reheating.
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Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: creamy orzo, butternut squash orzo, one-pot orzo, fall comfort food, vegetarian orzo, easy creamy pasta, spinach orzo