Description
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a cozy, vegetarian fall dinner made with tender orzo pasta, sweet roasted squash, and a naturally creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this dish is wholesome, comforting, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 to 2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3½ cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, packed
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Roast squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic for 1 more minute.
- Cook orzo: Add orzo and toast 1–2 minutes. Stir in vegetable broth and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cheese and spinach: Add Parmesan and nutmeg. Fold in spinach until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Gently stir in roasted squash. Adjust seasoning and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut squash evenly for consistent roasting.
- Use fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach (drained well).
- Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Try other fall vegetables like zucchini or acorn squash for variation.
- To make it vegan, use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: Creamy Orzo Butternut Squash, Butternut Squash Spinach Recipes, Healthy Fall Dinner, Vegetarian Orzo Recipes, Orzo Pasta with Squash and Spinach