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Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Bliss

Enjoy warm and comforting Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach, a perfect vegetarian dish for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Squash
  • 1 medium Butternut Squash can be swapped with any other squash or root vegetable
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta or ditalini or any small-shaped pasta
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons Butter or vegan butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese optional, for vegan use nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or plant-based milk
For Freshness and Seasoning
  • 4 ounces Baby Spinach or kale or Swiss chard
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme or fresh thyme
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan and heavy cream. Add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Gently fold in roasted butternut squash and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
  6. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with parmesan or olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding broth for creaminess. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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