Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Looking for a comforting and wholesome dish that’s full of flavor and color? Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the answer! The sweet, caramelized butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory, tender orzo and fresh spinach. This dish is cozy, satisfying, and can easily be made as a main or a side dish. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds—if not thirds!

Why You’ll Love Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet, roasted butternut squash and the earthy spinach come together in perfect harmony with the orzo pasta.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with nutrients, this dish is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s both light and filling, so it makes a great choice for a healthy meal.
• Customizable: You can add extras like toasted nuts, cheese, or herbs to take the flavor to the next level. This dish is versatile and perfect for your tastes.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is always a hit!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make this tasty dish:

Butternut Squash: Roasted until caramelized, it adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect base for this dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a burst of nutrients.
Olive Oil: For roasting the squash and giving the dish a rich, smooth texture.
Garlic: A few cloves of garlic add a savory punch.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle of parmesan adds a touch of umami flavor to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything and bring all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach:

Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and tender.

Cook the Orzo: While the squash is roasting, cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Everything: Once the squash is roasted and the spinach is cooked, add the orzo to the skillet with the spinach. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, mixing until well distributed.

Serve: Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

This dish can be served as a main or as a side dish. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• With a Protein: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted tofu for a more filling meal.
• As a Side Dish: It’s a perfect side for roasted meats like turkey or pork.
• Top it with Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
• With a Dollop of Ricotta: Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese on top to make it even creamier.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Veggies: You can add other vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
• Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can take the flavor to the next level.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen spinach will work fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. The flavors will meld even more overnight.

Q3: Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?
A3: Definitely! You can use any small pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli.

Q4: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A4: Yes! Adding toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts will give it a nice crunch and an extra flavor dimension.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the orzo?
A7: Yes, adding parmesan or feta cheese will enhance the flavor and make it even more creamy.

Q8: Can I use another type of squash?
A8: Absolutely! You can use acorn squash or pumpkin as alternatives to butternut squash.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes, use gluten-free pasta in place of the orzo for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.

Conclusion

Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the sweetness of roasted squash and the earthiness of spinach. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Enjoy it as is or customize it to suit your tastes—either way, it’s a dish that will make your taste buds sing!

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