Quick Orzo With Roasted Butternut Squash And Spinach Recipe

Autumn’s warmth arrives with this delightful orzo with roasted butternut squash nestled perfectly in a vibrant, comforting dish.

The golden cubes of squash dance alongside tender spinach leaves, creating a harmony of colors and textures.

Creamy orzo provides a luxurious base that captures every delectable flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pan wonder that promises simplicity and satisfaction.

Herbs and a gentle sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate each forkful with a subtle, tangy brightness.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this elegant and effortless.

Serve this wholesome meal and watch as every plate returns empty, telling its own delicious story.

What Makes Orzo With Butternut Squash Special

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe transforms classic s'mores into a fun, no-bake treat that comes together with minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Children can help layer ingredients and roll the sushi, making it an engaging family activity that sparks creativity in the kitchen.
• Playful Dessert Twist: The unique sushi-style presentation turns a traditional campfire favorite into a surprising and Instagram-worthy dessert that will impress guests at parties or gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for birthday parties, movie nights, potlucks, or casual dessert cravings, these s'mores sushi rolls offer a delightful blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors that appeal to all ages.

Essential Ingredients For Orzo With Spinach Dish

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that provides a rich, caramelized flavor and soft texture to the dish.
• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the hearty base of this recipe.
• Spinach: A tender, nutritious green that adds freshness and vibrant color to the meal.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Thyme: An aromatic herb that brings a subtle, earthy note to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that help develop deep flavors and ensure proper roasting of the squash.

Clear Instructions For Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the squash becomes tender.

Step 2: Cook Orzo Pasta

Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The spinach will become soft and reduce in volume.

Step 4: Blend Everything Together

• Roasted butternut squash
• Cooked orzo
• Wilted spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh thyme

Gently stir all ingredients until well mixed and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer to serving plates while warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan or thyme if desired.

Helpful Hints To Master Butternut Squash Orzo

• Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes for even roasting and caramelization, ensuring each piece gets golden and crispy edges.
• Rinse orzo with cold water after cooking and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to keep pasta grains separated and prevent sticking.
• Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra protein, crunch, and healthy fats that complement the soft squash and pasta.
• Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the recipe completely vegan while maintaining a rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Make extra roasted squash and orzo to store in the refrigerator for easy lunch or dinner additions throughout the week.

Exciting Twists To Try With Butternut Orzo

• Mediterranean Quinoa Edition: Replace orzo with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that maintains the same roasted squash and spinach flavor profile.
• Vegan Celebration: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and add roasted pine nuts for extra protein and nutty depth, keeping the core recipe structure intact.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, add cumin, and mix in black beans for a zesty, southwestern-inspired grain bowl with roasted butternut squash.
• Grain-Free Cauliflower Swap: Use riced cauliflower instead of orzo for a low-carb version that still captures the original recipe's essence and vegetable richness.

Pairing Suggestions To Complement Butternut Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the earthy squash and bright spinach flavors, cutting through the richness of Parmesan cheese.
• Enhance with Rustic Bread: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious roasted vegetable juices.
• Match with Herbal Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm orzo dish, adding fresh, peppery notes that elevate the overall meal experience.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Add a simple roasted chicken breast seasoned with thyme to transform this vegetarian dish into a complete protein-packed dinner that feels comforting and satisfying.

Tips To Keep Orzo With Squash Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Spinach might slightly change texture when thawed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through, preventing squash from becoming mushy.

FAQs

• Is orzo a type of rice or pasta?

Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice but is actually small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat flour.

• Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Fresh squash is recommended for better texture and flavor, but frozen can work if thawed and patted dry before roasting.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is perfectly roasted?

The squash is ready when it’s tender and has light golden-brown caramelized edges, which typically takes 20-25 minutes at 400F.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, use Parmesan cheese. For vegan, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or skip the cheese entirely.

Orzo With Roasted Butternut Squash And Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach brings Mediterranean comfort to your plate. Delicate pasta mingles with caramelized squash and tender greens, creating a harmonious blend of seasonal flavors you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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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 and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes, ensuring even coating with olive oil, salt, and pepper for consistent caramelization.
3. Spread squash pieces across the baking sheet, creating a single layer to promote even roasting and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
4. Roast squash for 20-25 minutes until tender and edges develop a slight caramelized texture.
5. Simultaneously, cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente consistency.
6. Drain orzo thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm to prevent clumping.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and add fresh spinach leaves.
8. Quickly sauté spinach for 2-3 minutes until leaves wilt and reduce in volume.
9. Combine roasted squash, cooked orzo, and sautéed spinach in a spacious mixing bowl.
10. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped thyme, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
11. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
12. Transfer to serving dishes and present immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are at their peak.

Notes

• Dice butternut squash uniformly to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
• Choose firm, fresh spinach leaves for maximum nutrition and vibrant green color.
• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, cheesy flavor.
• Try additional herbs like rosemary or sage to enhance the dish’s earthy undertones.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg