Comforting Orzo with Roasted Squash Recipe: Autumn in a Bowl

Autumn’s golden embrace brings a delightful orzo with roasted squash recipe that warms the soul with every bite.

Seasonal vegetables dance alongside tender pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Nutty roasted squash adds depth and richness to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Herbs and spices weave through the orzo, enhancing its natural charm and comfort.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey of warmth and satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this seasonal comfort.

Orzo with Roasted Squash Why It’s Special

• Dive into a heartwarming dish that celebrates the rich, golden flavors of roasted butternut squash paired with creamy orzo.
• Elevate your home cooking with restaurant-quality techniques that require minimal culinary skills and basic ingredients.
• Enjoy a balanced meal that combines wholesome vegetables, protein-rich cheese, and nutrient-dense spinach in one delightful plate.
• Whip up a satisfying meal in less than an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner solution.

Roasted Squash Orzo Ingredient List

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that provides a rich, caramelized flavor and soft texture when roasted.
• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for the dish.
• Blue Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that adds depth and richness to the recipe.

• Spinach: A tender leafy green that wilts easily and adds a fresh, nutritious element to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning combination that helps roast the squash and infuse flavor throughout the dish.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that creates a warm, aromatic base for the garlic-infused oil.

Gear Needed for Orzo with Roasted Squash

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash evenly and creating caramelized edges.
• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling orzo and wilting spinach in salted water.
• Skillet: Ideal for gently warming olive oil and infusing with minced garlic.
• Cutting Board: Needed for cubing squash and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise cutting of butternut squash and garlic.
• Colander: Useful for draining orzo and spinach after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for tossing ingredients and mixing in the pot.

Preparing Orzo with Roasted Squash in Steps

Step 1: Prep and Roast Squash

Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Grab your butternut squash and cut it into bite-sized cubes.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast for 35-40 minutes until the edges turn golden and the squash becomes tender and caramelized.

Step 2: Create Fragrant Garlic Infusion

Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over low heat.

Add minced garlic and let it gently simmer until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Remove from heat and let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Cook Orzo and Spinach

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil.

Add orzo and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture.

During the final minute of cooking, toss in the shredded spinach to wilt it softly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Drain the orzo and spinach, then return them to the warm pot.

• Roasted squash cubes
• Garlic-infused oil
• Crumbled blue cheese

Stir until the cheese begins to melt slightly, creating a creamy texture.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Orzo with Squash Kitchen Tips

• Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes for even roasting and caramelization, ensuring each piece develops a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• Allow garlic to steep slowly in olive oil at low heat, creating a rich, aromatic base that will deeply flavor the entire dish.
• Stir orzo frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve an ideal al dente consistency that complements the soft roasted squash.
• Add blue cheese off the heat to maintain its creamy texture without completely liquefying, creating pockets of tangy, rich flavor throughout the dish.
• Wilt spinach directly in the pasta water during the final cooking minute to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients while gently softening its texture.

Orzo and Squash Combo Mix-Ins

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace blue cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan feta. Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes or roasted cauliflower for a different flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Option: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme to the garlic oil. Substitute blue cheese with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Mix in cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead of traditional pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Presenting Orzo with Roasted Squash

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Serve in deep ceramic bowls to highlight the creamy texture and vibrant colors of the orzo and roasted squash.
• Autumn Harvest Pairing: Accompany with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy orzo.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for an extra protein boost and more substantial meal.
• Wine Companion: Complement the dish with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's delicate flavors.

Storing Orzo with Roasted Squash

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water or broth to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
• Store in freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why roast the squash before adding to the orzo?

Roasting caramelizes the squash, intensifying its natural sweetness and creating deeper, richer flavors that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese work wonderfully as alternatives, offering similar creamy textures and tangy notes that complement the roasted squash.

• Is spinach necessary for this recipe?

While spinach adds nutrition and color, you can substitute with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if preferred, keeping the overall recipe structure intact.

• How do I know when the squash is perfectly roasted?

Look for golden-brown edges, tender texture when pierced with a fork, and a slightly caramelized appearance – these signs indicate the squash is roasted to perfection.

Comforting Orzo with Roasted Squash Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty orzo with roasted squash celebrates seasonal Mediterranean flavors with golden-brown vegetables and aromatic herbs. Creamy pasta and caramelized squash create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables & Pasta:

• 2.5 cups (590 ml) butternut squash, cut into tiny 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 cup (240 ml) orzo pasta, regular or whole-wheat
• 2 cups (475 ml) fresh spinach, roughly shredded

Aromatics & Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) good-quality olive oil
• 1 plump clove of garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheese:

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) crumbled blue cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting of butternut squash cubes.
2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
3. Spread squash pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing enough space between cubes for proper caramelization during 35-40 minute roasting period.
4. While squash roasts, create garlic-infused oil by gently warming olive oil with minced garlic in a skillet, allowing aromatic flavors to develop without burning.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil and cook orzo until it reaches al dente texture, maintaining a slight firmness.
6. During final minute of pasta cooking, introduce shredded spinach to the boiling water, allowing gentle wilting and color preservation.
7. Drain orzo and spinach mixture, returning to the pot to preserve residual warmth and prevent cooling.
8. Incorporate roasted squash cubes, fragrant garlic oil, and crumbled blue cheese into the orzo, gently folding to ensure even distribution.
9. Toss ingredients until blue cheese begins to melt slightly, creating a creamy texture and harmonizing flavors.
10. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm, showcasing the vibrant colors and rich, comforting elements of the recipe.

Notes

• Roast squash in advance for meal prep, ensuring cubes are similar sizes for even caramelization.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding pre-minced versions which lose potency quickly.
• Experiment with cheese alternatives like goat cheese or feta for different dietary preferences or taste profiles.
• Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds as an optional crunchy topping to add textural contrast and nutritional boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg