Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

A cozy, creamy one-pan style pasta dish with caramelized squash, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Serves 4.

Ingredients

For the roasted squash

• 4 cups peeled and cubed Butternut Squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the creamy orzo

• 1½ cups dry Orzo
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 packed cups fresh Spinach
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional toppings

• Toasted walnuts or pecans
• Crispy sage
• Extra Parmesan
• Chili oil

---

Instructions

1. Roast the squash

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
3. Spread on a baking tray in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

---

2. Cook the orzo

1. In a large deep skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 30 seconds.
4. Add the orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.

---

3. Make it creamy

1. Pour in vegetable broth.
2. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, for about 8–10 minutes until the orzo is nearly tender.
3. Lower heat and stir in:
   • milk or half-and-half
   • Parmesan
   • nutmeg
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

---

4. Finish the dish

1. Fold in the roasted butternut squash gently.
2. Add lemon juice.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

If the orzo thickens too much, loosen with a splash of warm broth or milk.

---

Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
• Great alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon.
• For extra protein, add white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken.

---

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth since orzo absorbs liquid as it sits.

---

Variations

Make it vegan

• Use plant milk
• Replace butter with olive oil
• Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Add protein

• Italian sausage
• Chickpeas
• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp