Quick Orzo With Roasted Butternut Squash And Spinach Recipe

Creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash offers a delightful twist on comfort food that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Nutty squash caramelizes beautifully when roasted, infusing each pasta bite with rich, sweet undertones.

Tender spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritious depth to the mix.

Fresh herbs can complement the natural flavors, creating a harmonious balance between textures and tastes.

Crisp parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty contrast that makes this recipe irresistible.

Fall or winter meals never looked more inviting, you’ll want to savor every single forkful.

Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

• Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe delivers a delicious, nutritious meal without complicated steps or long preparation times.
• Veggie-Packed Delight: Combines roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach for a colorful, nutrient-rich dish that makes eating vegetables exciting and tasty.
• Flexible Family Favorite: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, works great as a main dish or side, and appeals to both kids and adults with its mild, comforting flavors.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with simple roasting and sauteing techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting texture in this dish.
• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that adds rich flavor and vibrant color to the recipe.

• Spinach: A nutritious leafy green that provides a delicate, tender element to the pasta.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that help roast the squash and enhance overall flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, sharp cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: An optional herb that brings a subtle, earthy aroma to the final preparation.

How to Prepare Orzo with Butternut Squash & Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some delicious cooking magic.

Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash

Chop the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet and let them roast until they turn golden and tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the squash is roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo following the package instructions.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Heat a large pan over medium heat.

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it becomes soft and wilted, creating a vibrant green backdrop for your dish.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Gently mix the roasted butternut squash, cooked orzo, and wilted spinach in a large serving bowl.

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh thyme (optional)

Add a final touch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the orzo mixture while it’s warm and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this colorful, nutritious meal.

Tips to Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

• Choose firm, unblemished butternut squash with deep orange color for maximum sweetness and best roasting results.
• Cut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning during roasting.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the dish for richer, more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried for brighter, more aromatic herb notes in the final dish.
• Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and slightly varied texture.

Variations on Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe

• Mediterranean Orzo Remix: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Bowl: Mix in grilled chicken strips or roasted chickpeas to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Nutty Autumn Edition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds over the dish for extra crunch and warm, earthy flavor.
• Vegan Harvest Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and add roasted red peppers for a plant-based, colorful alternative.

Pairings That Match Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the squash's sweetness and balance the dish's earthy flavors.
• Cheese Companion: Sprinkle additional crumbled goat cheese or feta on top to add creamy tanginess that elevates the orzo's richness and provides textural contrast.
• Herbal Boost: Garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the squash's richness and adds a refreshing note.
• Protein Partner: Top with toasted pine nuts or roasted almonds to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enhances the dish's overall complexity.

Storing Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot throughout.

Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What is orzo and how is it different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. Unlike traditional pasta shapes, it’s tiny and looks similar to rice, making it perfect for salads, soups, and side dishes.

• Can I use another type of squash if butternut is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash, kabocha, or even sweet potatoes. These alternatives have similar textures and roast well with the same seasoning.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Orzo With Roasted Butternut Squash And Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Earthy spinach and sweet roasted squash mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash (cubed)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and position a rack in the middle for even roasting.
2. Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent size for balanced cooking.
3. Drizzle olive oil over squash cubes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, coating evenly to enhance flavor and promote caramelization.
4. Spread seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer, allowing space between pieces to roast properly for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and interior becomes tender.
5. While squash roasts, bring water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Drain orzo in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
7. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add spinach, stirring gently until leaves collapse and release moisture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. Combine roasted squash, cooked orzo, and wilted spinach in the mixing bowl.
9. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped thyme over the mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Roast squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even caramelization and easier cleanup.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the roasted squash’s natural sweetness.
• Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the dish vegan-friendly and dairy-free.
• Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg