Quick & Cozy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe

Creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash combines comfort and elegance in one delightful dish.

This Mediterranean-inspired recipe blends nutty pasta and caramelized squash into a hearty meal.

Tender spinach adds vibrant color and nutritious depth to the orzo.

Roasted herbs and garlic infuse each bite with warm, aromatic flavors that dance across your palate.

Parmesan cheese melts into the mixture, creating a luxurious texture that feels both rustic and refined.

Simple ingredients transform into something truly special with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this soul-warming culinary creation.

How to Cook Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

• Prep the Squash

Chop the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes and get ready to transform them into caramelized golden delights. Toss the pieces with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings to awaken their natural sweetness.

• Roast to Perfection

Slide the seasoned squash onto a baking sheet and send it into a hot oven. Roast until the edges turn crispy and the center becomes meltingly tender, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

• Cook the Pasta

Warm a skillet and introduce the orzo to a quick dance of butter and garlic. Pour in vegetable broth and let the pasta simmer gently, absorbing all the rich flavors until it becomes perfectly tender and creamy.

• Build the Layers of Flavor

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan to create a luxurious base. Fold in fresh spinach until it wilts into the creamy mixture, adding a vibrant green touch to the dish.

• Final Flourish

Gently mix the roasted squash into the creamy orzo. Finish with a bright hint of lemon zest and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Flavor Upgrades for Your Orzo and Squash Combo

• Pat butternut squash completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, caramelized edges that add delightful texture to the dish.
• Prepare roasted squash and orzo separately up to two days in advance, storing them in airtight containers to streamline meal preparation.
• Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier version that transforms this side dish into a complete meal.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly meal, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on rich, cheesy flavor.

Serving Orzo with Butternut and Spinach as a Cozy Dish

• Harvest Feast Plating: Create a rustic wooden board with the orzo spread artfully, highlighting the golden squash and vibrant green spinach for a stunning visual presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the dish with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal that packs extra protein.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crispy breadcrumbs over the orzo to add delightful texture and elevate the overall eating experience with a satisfying crackle.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the creamy, slightly spicy orzo with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that balances the dish's rich flavors and cuts through the creaminess.

Storing Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo for Later

• Store leftover orzo in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the dish's creamy texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring occasionally to maintain even heating.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months, separating spinach and squash layers to maintain optimal texture when thawing.
• Prepare roasted butternut squash and cooked orzo separately during weekly cooking sessions, allowing flexible assembly of quick meals throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

• Butternut Squash: Adds sweet, nutty flavor and provides hearty texture with beautiful caramelized edges when roasted.
• Olive Oil: Helps squash roast evenly and develop golden-brown color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance natural squash sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic depth to roasted vegetables.
• Smoked Paprika: Creates smoky undertone and adds warm complexity to the dish.

• Orzo: Delicate pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides creamy, comforting base.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates rich, savory foundation for pasta cooking.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and adds richness.
• Garlic: Introduces intense, aromatic flavor profile to entire dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty umami flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Spinach: Adds fresh, vibrant green color and nutritious element.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Introduce subtle heat and spicy complexity.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes that balance richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds fresh, aromatic finish.

Kitchen Gear for Roasting and Stirring Up This Butternut Orzo

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash evenly and creating caramelized edges.
• Large Skillet: Key for cooking orzo and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping butternut squash, spinach, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for precise dicing and chopping vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring orzo and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.

Cozy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach blends earthy flavors into a comforting dish. Creamy pasta, sweet roasted squash, and tender spinach create a wholesome meal perfect for weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) butternut squash, peeled and diced (~½-inch cubes)
• 1 cup (237 ml) orzo pasta
• 2 cups (473 ml) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups (473 ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare Butternut Squash: Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400F (200C) for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway, until caramelized and tender.
2. Cook Orzo: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic briefly, then add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour vegetable broth, simmer for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo becomes creamy.
3. Enhance Flavor Profile: Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Introduce chopped spinach, stirring until leaves wilt and integrate seamlessly with the orzo.
4. Final Assembly: Delicately fold roasted butternut squash and lemon zest into the creamy mixture. Perform a quick taste test, adjusting seasonings as necessary. Finish by sprinkling additional Parmesan and fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure butternut squash pieces are evenly sized for consistent caramelization and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to achieve perfect golden edges.
• Stir orzo frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and achieve a creamy, al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Add cream and cheese off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use vegetable broth instead of butter for vegan option, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg