Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the squash.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference for a balanced flavor.
- 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
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cheesy-butternut-squash-orzo-recipe/
