🎉 Introduction
When the weather turns crisp and golden leaves fill the air, nothing feels more comforting than a bowl of warm, creamy pasta. 🍂✨
This Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a cozy, flavorful dish that brings together everything we love about fall — sweet roasted squash, tender orzo, earthy spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Each bite melts in your mouth — the orzo is silky, the squash adds caramelized sweetness, and the spinach gives a burst of color and freshness. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
If you love creamy risotto but want something simpler, this recipe is your dream come true. Let’s make the perfect bowl of creamy autumn comfort! 🍽️
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan (for orzo)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan
🛒 Ingredients
🥬 For the Vegetables
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍝 For the Orzo
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into small cubes (about ½ inch). Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat evenly.
Step 2 – Roast the Butternut Squash
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Set aside once golden and fragrant.
Step 3 – Cook the Orzo
In a large saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
If the broth evaporates too quickly, add a little hot water as needed.
Step 4 – Sauté the Garlic & Spinach
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 5 – Combine the Orzo & Sauce
Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until creamy and smooth.
Fold in the sautéed spinach and roasted butternut squash.
Step 6 – Adjust Seasoning
Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and perfectly creamy.
Step 7 – Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy that rich, cozy, cheesy aroma that screams autumn comfort! 🍂🥄
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal — the cream sauce may separate when reheated.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
💡 Tip: Add a little extra Parmesan before reheating to bring back its creamy texture and flavor.
🥄 Variations
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in goat cheese or ricotta for extra richness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a cozy depth.
- Holiday Touch: Add toasted walnuts or pomegranate seeds for festive flair.
- Whole Grain Version: Try whole wheat orzo for added fiber and texture.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for variety.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! Roast it directly from frozen — just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter. Add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
3. What’s the best type of orzo?
Regular orzo works great — look for one made from durum wheat for a creamy texture.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — prepare everything and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth before serving.
5. Can I skip the spinach?
You can substitute with kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula.
6. What pairs well with this dish?
It’s perfect with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables.
7. How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Keep stirring and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
8. Is this like risotto?
Yes, it has the same creamy texture but is much easier and faster to prepare.
9. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or short-grain rice instead.
10. Can I serve it cold?
It’s best served warm, but it can be chilled and enjoyed as a creamy pasta salad for lunch.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the definition of comfort in a bowl — rich, creamy, and packed with the best flavors of fall. 🍁✨
The sweetness of roasted squash pairs beautifully with the savory Parmesan sauce and the gentle earthiness of spinach. It’s simple, satisfying, and looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you serve it as a cozy dinner, a festive side dish, or a weeknight treat, this orzo will become one of your go-to recipes for autumn and beyond.
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach — A Cozy Fall Comfort Dish
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Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into small cubes (about ½ inch). Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat evenly.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Set aside once golden and fragrant.
- In a large saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- If the broth evaporates too quickly, add a little hot water as needed.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until creamy and smooth.
- Fold in the sautéed spinach and roasted butternut squash.
- Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and perfectly creamy.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy that rich, cozy, cheesy aroma that screams autumn comfort! 🍂🥄
Notes
Yes! Roast it directly from frozen — just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time. 2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter. Add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness. 3. What’s the best type of orzo?
Regular orzo works great — look for one made from durum wheat for a creamy texture. 4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — prepare everything and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth before serving. 5. Can I skip the spinach?
You can substitute with kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula. 6. What pairs well with this dish?
It’s perfect with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables. 7. How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Keep stirring and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. 8. Is this like risotto?
Yes, it has the same creamy texture but is much easier and faster to prepare. 9. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or short-grain rice instead. 10. Can I serve it cold?
It’s best served warm, but it can be chilled and enjoyed as a creamy pasta salad for lunch. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the definition of comfort in a bowl — rich, creamy, and packed with the best flavors of fall. 🍁✨ The sweetness of roasted squash pairs beautifully with the savory Parmesan sauce and the gentle earthiness of spinach. It’s simple, satisfying, and looks as good as it tastes. Whether you serve it as a cozy dinner, a festive side dish, or a weeknight treat, this orzo will become one of your go-to recipes for autumn and beyond.
