Description
This creamy orzo recipe combines roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, and al dente orzo in a velvety sauce of heavy cream and Parmesan. Ideal for busy evenings, it offers a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors, delivering comforting nutrition in each bite. Perfect for families, it can be prepared in under an hour and scales easily for larger gatherings, making it a versatile staple for weeknight meals. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for deep richness.
Ingredients
-
- 2 cups butternut squash
- diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast 25‑30 minutes until caramelized.
Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large pot, heat remaining olive oil, sauté garlic 30 seconds, add spinach and wilt.
Add roasted squash and cooked orzo to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Cook 2‑3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- increase red pepper flakes or add beef pepperoni. To make it lighter
- substitute half of the heavy cream with low‑fat milk and add a splash of vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach, easy orzo recipe, butternut squash dinner, spinach pasta dish, creamy pasta meals, quick vegetarian dinner, weeknight comfort food, healthy creamy orzo