Description
This comforting autumnal dish combines the earthy, caramelized sweetness of oven-roasted butternut squash with perfectly tender orzo pasta. Folded into a rich, savory sauce made with vegetable broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it provides a restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes. It is the perfect cozy, weeknight dinner for busy families looking for maximum flavor with minimal effort, offering a silky texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crispy turkey bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown.
While the squash roasts, bring your vegetable broth to a simmer in a large skillet.
Add the orzo to the simmering broth and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and fold in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Gently stir in the roasted butternut squash until everything is well combined and the sauce is glossy.
Notes
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess. If you love a smoky crunch, fold in crispy cooked turkey bacon bits right at the end. If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, add an extra splash of vegetable broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg