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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and position a rack in the middle for even roasting.
- Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent size for balanced cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over squash cubes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, coating evenly to enhance flavor and promote caramelization.
- 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.
- While squash roasts, bring water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain orzo in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add spinach, stirring gently until leaves collapse and release moisture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Combine roasted squash, cooked orzo, and wilted spinach in the mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped thyme over the mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- 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