🍝 Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash & Spinach
🌿 Description
This dish combines tender roasted butternut squash with creamy orzo pasta and fresh spinach, all brought together with garlic, herbs, and a light cheesy finish. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy—ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
🛒 Ingredients
For the roasted squash:
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2 cups butternut squash (peeled & cubed)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the creamy orzo:
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 cups vegetable broth (warm)
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½ cup milk or cream
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Juice of ½ lemon
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Roast the squash
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
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Toss squash with olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper
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Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized
2. Cook the orzo
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Heat olive oil or butter in a pan
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Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic
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Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes
3. Make it creamy
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Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring like risotto
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Cook until orzo is tender and creamy (about 10 minutes)
4. Add richness
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Stir in milk/cream and Parmesan
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Add spinach and cook until wilted
5. Combine & finish
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Fold in roasted squash
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Add lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and mix gently
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper
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Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
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Serve with grilled chicken or fish if desired
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and skip Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
Q: What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta like ditalini, or even rice for a risotto-style dish.
Q: How do I keep it creamy?
Stir frequently and add broth gradually—this releases starch for that silky texture.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, up to 3 days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
Q: Can I add protein?
Absolutely—chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp work beautifully.
