Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is a creamy, cozy dish that combines roasted butternut squash with orzo pasta, creating a comforting meal perfect for fall.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:One Pot
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1/3 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Fresh sage leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Roast the Squash: Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
Cook the Orzo: In a skillet, add orzo and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often.
Make It Cheesy: Once the orzo is tender, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Let it melt into a creamy dream.
Add the Squash: Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash. Let the flavors marry for 2 minutes.
Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and optional crispy sage leaves. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
For added flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.