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