Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender roasted squash with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
3. Step 3: Roast the squash in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Step 4: In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat, and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
5. Step 5: Stir in the roasted squash, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and combined.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella.
• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg when mixing in the cream for a warm, cozy note.
• Toast the orzo in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking to add a nutty flavor.

Storage

Store leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen diced butternut squash works well. Thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Not as written, since it includes cheese and heavy cream. However, you can substitute with vegan cheese and coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly version.

Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 101 reviews

This Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo recipe combines tender roasted butternut squash with creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, resulting in a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any mealtime. The roasted squash adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating an irresistible and hearty meal.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese and Cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the squash.
2. Prepare the Squash: In a baking dish, toss the peeled and diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Spread the squash pieces evenly to ensure even roasting.
3. Roast the Squash: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the squash for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pieces are tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
4. Cook the Orzo: While the squash roasts, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still al dente. Drain any excess broth if necessary.
5. Combine Ingredients: In the saucepan with the cooked orzo, stir in the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference for a balanced flavor.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy butternut squash orzo warm, garnished generously with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, try using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
• To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the texture will be less creamy.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a warm, subtle spice.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: butternut squash, cheesy orzo, roasted squash recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta dish, creamy orzo