This creamy orzo dish is a warm hug on a plate! With sweet butternut squash and fresh spinach, it’s both hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to whip up!
I love how this meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s great for leftovers, too, but honestly, I usually eat it all at once! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is perfect for creamy dishes. If you need a gluten-free option, swap it for quinoa or gluten-free pasta. It may alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing!
Butternut Squash: The star of this dish, providing sweetness and texture. If you’re in a pinch, sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree can work well too. Just adjust cooking times for tender texture!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. You could use kale or Swiss chard instead; just chop them more finely as they can be tougher.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can mimic the cheese flavor, or you could try a vegan Parmesan.
Milk and Cream: This combo makes the dish rich and creamy. If you’re looking for lighter options, use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be aware that non-dairy milks might change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Cook Butternut Squash Perfectly?
Cooking butternut squash is key to this recipe’s success. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start by peeling the squash—trust me, it’s easier with a sharp peeler! Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and then dice it into 1/2-inch cubes.
- When cooking, aim for medium heat to get that golden color without burning. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- 8-10 minutes is usually enough to soften it, but if it’s not tender when poked with a fork, give it a couple more minutes.
Taking the time to cook your squash just right makes a world of difference in flavor and texture!
Making Creamy Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and prepping the ingredients, followed by 20 minutes for cooking everything together. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Squash:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced butternut squash. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring it occasionally until the squash gets tender and starts to brown. This brings out its sweet flavor!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it with the squash until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until everything smells wonderful!
3. Incorporate the Orzo:
It’s time to add the orzo pasta! Pour it into the skillet and give it a good stir, making sure it’s nicely coated with the oil and mixed in with the veggies.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Now, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook it all together while stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—this should take about 10 minutes.
5. Creamy Mixture:
Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat a bit, then stir in the milk and heavy cream. Warm it gently, making sure it doesn’t boil. This part makes it ultra-creamy!
6. Add Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it around until it wilts nicely into the creamy mixture. This adds so much freshness and nutrition to your meal!
7. Final Touches:
Take the skillet off the heat, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of nutmeg. This can really enhance the flavors!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Dish up your creamy orzo while it’s warm. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a beautiful and tasty finish. Dig in and enjoy this comforting, creamy delight!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting orzo with sweet butternut squash and fresh spinach!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While orzo is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with any small pasta, such as ditalini or couscous. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, replace the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Also, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or use a microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with veggies like kale, peas, or roasted red peppers. Just make sure to cook them appropriately before adding them to the dish to ensure they blend well with the creamy orzo!
