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Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo

Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo: Your Cozy Comfort Food Fix

Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender butternut squash with gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 2 cups Orzo Pasta Swap with gluten-free orzo if needed.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian adaptation.
For the Squash
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash, diced Fresh is best, but canned pumpkin works as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Opt for sea salt to elevate the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked pepper will enhance the dish's nuances.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can provide an extra punch.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated Feel free to swap with Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan substitute.
For Creaminess
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream makes a wonderful dairy-free alternative.
For Garnish
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped Consider fresh herbs like thyme or sage for an aromatic boost.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a prepared baking dish.
  4. Roast the butternut squash for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  5. While the squash is roasting, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan.
  6. Add the orzo to the boiling broth, reduce heat, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  7. After cooking, drain excess broth from the orzo and return to the saucepan.
  8. Add the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan to the orzo, stirring until the cheese is melted.
  9. Taste your orzo mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

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