Introduction:
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s packed with nutrients, then this Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the perfect recipe. With its velvety smooth texture, subtle sweetness from the roasted squash, and the earthy flavor of spinach, this dish is a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or as a side dish, this orzo recipe will be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach (washed and dried)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added herbal flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat the squash evenly in the oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and spread the squash into a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized at the edges, tossing halfway through for even roasting. - Cook the Orzo:
While the butternut squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to add later if needed. Set the cooked orzo aside. - Sauté the Garlic and Spinach:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and softens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If desired, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the earthy flavor of the spinach. - Combine the Cream and Cheese:
Once the spinach is wilted, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream to warm through. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or nutmeg if needed. - Add the Orzo and Roasted Butternut Squash:
To the skillet, add the cooked orzo and roasted butternut squash. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the orzo and squash are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste again and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the creamy orzo to serving plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, or rosemary if desired. You can also sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top if you like a little spice. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this dish.
Cook Notes and Tips
- Choosing Butternut Squash:
When selecting butternut squash, look for one with a firm, smooth skin and deep orange color. Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size, as this indicates it’s dense and ripe. If you’re short on time, you can also buy pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store to skip the peeling and dicing process. - Make it Dairy-Free:
If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can easily substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. For the Parmesan cheese, use a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. - Make it Gluten-Free:
Orzo is typically made from wheat, so if you need to make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to choose a gluten-free orzo pasta. Many stores carry gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn, which works just as well in this dish. - Roasting Tip:
For extra crispy and caramelized edges on the butternut squash, you can toss the squash halfway through roasting to ensure it cooks evenly. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or maple syrup during roasting for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Add Protein:
For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even some crispy bacon. Shrimp would also pair wonderfully with the creamy orzo. Simply cook your protein of choice separately and add it to the skillet when combining the orzo and roasted squash. - Add Other Vegetables:
This dish is already packed with vegetables, but you can always add more! Roasted Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or carrots would complement the flavors of the butternut squash. If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the top. - Herb Variations:
While thyme and rosemary are both great options, feel free to experiment with other herbs. Fresh sage, parsley, or basil would also be fantastic additions to this dish. You can add these herbs directly to the creamy sauce or sprinkle them on top for added freshness. - Spicy Version:
If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. The spice pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the cream.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this recipe can be easily modified. The orzo pasta is the main carb source in this dish, so here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version:
- Substitute the Orzo:
You can swap the orzo pasta for zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles”) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Both options will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and give you a satisfying, guilt-free meal. - Creamy Base:
If you prefer a richer, more indulgent dish, you can replace the heavy cream with cream cheese or full-fat coconut milk to increase the fat content, which is ideal for a ketogenic diet. - Add More Greens:
You can easily up the vegetable content by adding more spinach or incorporating other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. They will contribute to the texture and nutritional value of the dish without adding carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well in this recipe. If you’re using frozen squash, simply roast it from frozen, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it might take a bit longer to roast compared to fresh squash. Be sure to toss it halfway through for even cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare certain elements in advance. You can roast the butternut squash and cook the orzo ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in the skillet and finish the dish with the creamy sauce.
3. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! While orzo works beautifully in this dish due to its small, rice-like shape, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, or fusilli. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary, so check the pasta packaging for the best timing.
4. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as long as you use the optional vegetarian-friendly ingredients such as plant-based Parmesan cheese. If you want to make it vegan, simply swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Keep in mind that the orzo may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so you may want to add a bit more cream when reheating to restore the creaminess.
Conclusion
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a rich, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of roasted squash with the earthiness of spinach and the creamy decadence of Parmesan and heavy cream. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a filling side dish, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a vegetarian meal, or simply craving a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and satisfying. Enjoy!
